Defence personnel "up top" are doing their bit to make Christmas a little better for those in need.

They joined the Salvation Army and Coles Darwin in launching an appeal for food and gifts for the needy of the region.

The retailer has offered to match the donations of the public with $10,000.

"Some Australians are having a hard time and your donations will help them have a good Christmas too," Major Laurie Venables of the Salvation Army said when ABWTR Tania Clarke, LACW Shellie Commons and CPL Michael Edmondson, arrived to load up the first donations for the appeal.