As the festive season gets closer, the Salvation Army are preparing for how it can help those in need.
Major Pam Waugh joined Paul Henry to discuss what the organisation is doing and how you can help them.
The Salvation Army expects to help 17,000 over the Christmas period.
This year it is launching the Gifts of Hope campaign, which allows the public to select from a range of gift packs to be given to families in need.
The packs will keep them going well past the Christmas period, options include a Starting School Kit, which provides the essentials like new shoes and a lunch box, the Snuggle Pack includes a duvet and pajamas.
Other options are assistance with Temporary Accommodation to help keep a family safe and sheltered, Parenting Skills sessions for raising children with confidence, and Family Food Parcels that take the pressure off the household budget with basic tinned food, fruit, vegetable and cleaning products.
You can find out more about the Gifts of Hope campaign on the website or visit the Salvation Army website.
