East Gippsland farmers have expressed gratitude as more than half a million dollars has been successfully distributed to drought-affected families across Eastern Victoria during the Christmas period.

Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) Gippsland teamed up with the Red Cross who donated $500,000 from their Aussie Farmer Appeal, and Lions Club of Heyfield contributed a further $43,000 helping with the cost of living for 180 households.