Dunedin foodbanks say they are prepared for when the Christmas rush begins - but are asking for donations so they can stay stocked up for the rest of summer.
Presbyterian Support Otago development and engagement manager Ruth Wilson said the past few days they had been hard at work putting together close to 300 Christmas hampers to help people in need.
Many of the Christmas donations have come from its new "Christmas gifting catalogue", which people were able to contribute to.
"The idea behind it was to ... equip and empower donors to give well.
"What we are hearing from families is essential."
People could donate to buy things such as school uniforms, toiletries packs, fresh vegetables and frozen chickens, youth development sessions.
The need did not stop with Christmas.
"Over holidays, the children can get bored and start eating [families] out of house and home.
"There are a lot of families who will need to come in and get a food hamper.
"We have some stock, but we will churn through it."
If people could send a monetary donation past Christmas, that would help keep their stock levels high, she said.
"Even if it’s a $10 donation, we can go out and buy food that can bridge the gap."
"This is a particularly busy time for us with the stress of Christmas and school holidays impacting families.
"The stress doesn’t stop on Christmas Day.
"The summer holidays can be long and difficult for families who are struggling."
He was grateful for the generosity of the community through the amount of direct donations.
What was donated throughout the year could last this month.
But if he could ask for anything, it would be for people to think ahead to getting back to school.
"Lunch food and school supplies would make a real difference for the families that we see."
