Full circle moment for Salvos Christmas appeal recipient turned volunteer

Giulia Coletti was at her lowest point when the Salvation Army turned her life around.

"I had just escaped a domestic violence relationship, the twins I had with that man had just gone into foster care and I was at a real low point," Coletti told A Current Affair. 

"I was in the drug and alcohol program because I was struggling to cope.

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"I was drinking to cope at that time."

With the help of the Salvos, Coletti slowly rebuilt her life.

She's been sober for two years and is now determined to help others in a similar situation through the Salvos Christmas Cheer program. 

The toy drive allows people in need to pick gifts for their children and people they love. 

It's something Coletti once relied on, and now she makes sure it's a no judgement zone. 

"I was there. It's a really hard place to be and there's a lot of shame, there's guilt, there's regret, there's a lack of understanding of how one got there and its a really hard place to be and it's a really lonely place to be as well."

Every Christmas, the Salvation Army hands out gifts, toys, meals and hampers to those who can't afford them.

This year the charity is aiming to raise $27 million for its Christmas appeal.

And with fresh research showing more Aussies are struggling, Salvation Army Lieutenant Kevin Williams says the charity's services are needed more than ever.

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"During COVID, or after COVID had finished, we thought we'd seen the worst of it," he said.

"Now it is just even worse. The cost of living is crazy.

"I do think we are losing that middle class.

"It's everyday people like yourself and myself are doing it tough, they can't afford the mortgage, or to put food on the table, or to put presents under the tree."

New research by the Salvos found more than 70 per cent of Australians will watch their spending this Christmas. 

Almost half of Australian parents will buy fewer presents for their children and 11.9 million will spend less on food. 

To donate to the Salvation Army's Christmas Appeal, visit their website or call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58).

Donations can also be made at any Salvos Store.

National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).

National Alcohol and Other Drug hotline on 1800 250 015 or call Lifeline on 13 11 14.