For most people, Christmas is about spending time with friends and family, but some don't have that option and we can all do our bit to make their festive season merry.
Donated items keep many charities afloat. So, what can you donate to help those in need this Christmas?
Christchurch City Mission's Matthew Mark says they have seen a significant increase in demand for food parcels this year, particularly in the lead up to Christmas.
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"We've just done our numbers for November and we're 43.8 percent up again [on October]. We're continuously increasing."
All the usual things like non-perishable items are what the mission love to see donated; but also items such as fresh meat and fruit, female hygiene products, baby items and cleaning products.
"If you're putting it in your own supermarket trolley, it's what we want. Any type of food you're consuming yourself and items using yourself that's the type of items we want because the people we are serving here are everyday people just like you and I."
And the demand keeps growing. It's something Mr Mark says can simply come down to some families not being able to make ends meet.
"I think for people who are seeking out every last cent... as soon as there's even a slight increase [in certain financial areas] it's almost the straw that breaks the camel's back.
"Then they have to decide: 'Do we put food on the table or do we pay power or rent? Or do we put petrol in the car?' The choices become real."
Last year the Mission gave out 5000 food parcels in December and this year they expect to give out 7000.
And the impact those donations have on people who need help them the most is immeasurable, Mr Mark says.
"We had an example just recently of a beautiful Samoan family - the dad had taken some time to pick up a food parcel and he was a big guy and we had gone through the process of what he needed.
"One of our volunteers asked him would he like beef, chicken or fish and he cried. When he stopped he said, 'I haven't had that choice for months', and when you see things like that it's a sad reality for so many people in our community.
"For us to be able to provide that for him at least is a real privilege."
The Presbyterian Support Northern (PSN) Emergency Foodbank expects to feed hundreds of families this Christmas and is urgently requesting donations.
Milo, chocolate biscuits, tins of fish, pasta, and toiletries like deodorant, shampoo and soap - things that children and their families wouldn't normally get are all special items needed.
PSN is making up food boxes for delivery in January, a time that a lot of families find themselves stretched for resources.
Last year, the Foodbank delivered 2279 emergency parcels which helped feed more 5100 children.
But due to extreme demand this year, PSN is currently buying in 80 percent of its food.
The Auckland City Mission is expecting this year's Christmas to be its most demanding.
Missioner Chris Farrelly is hoping Aucklanders will open their hearts to help the city's most vulnerable at what can be an incredibly tough time.
He says there's been a 27 percent jump in demand for food parcels this year.
"We know the reality that many people are experiencing and for many families and individuals Christmas is simply unaffordable, not a Christmas of luxury but a Christmas with some of the simple joys," Mr Farrelly says.
"For people who are struggling 364 days of the year it is only fair that for one day there is something to celebrate. People who cannot afford food on a week by week basis cannot afford something special at Christmas.
"That's where we, and the people of Auckland, step in."
Aucklanders are very generous, particularly during this time of year.
"We remain a very caring community and there is more than enough Christmas to go around," Mr Farrelly says.
"Throughout the year we provide support to families and individuals in the greatest of need and through the assistance of Aucklanders, we can ensure the Christmas spirit impacts on their lives well into the new year."
Mr Farrelly says for thousands of children, the only gift they will get this Christmas will come from Auckland donors via the Mission.
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