But thanks to a local mums group and Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison, the burden on the centre will be made a little easier.

Maitland Mums and Bubs has been collecting donations of food and toys from local mums and businesses to give to residents in need this festive season.

The group gives to a different charity each month and group ambassador Crystal Upton said they chose the neighourhood centre as they help out a lot of people in different ways.

“It’s the place where our founder formed her first mum’s group,” she said. “They helped me out too when my husband was unemployed.

“The mums say they love to help and it teaches the kids about helping too.”

Ms Aitchison said the Christmas season could be particularly difficult for families in need, and especially on children who often go without.

"It's nice to be able to reach out to children in our own backyard when for some children just a small donation can make a huge difference,” she said.

Maitland Neighbourhood Centre senior community worker Jenny Fulford said with so many people in need at Christmas, the drives really help.

“It’s amazing,” she said. 

“It gives us an opportunity to put a bit more in the bag.

“We put in extras that a lot of them wouldn’t buy themselves, like biscuits and sweets. We may think they are normal items in our pantry but for a lot of people they’re a luxury.

“A lot of them really struggle in all aspects. There’s a lot of sadness out there at this time of the year. This helps put a smile on their face.

“It’s something they can take to Christmas lunch, which is really empowering for them. It means they can contribute.”

Maitland Mums and Bubs will hand over their donations at their Christmas get-together at the neighbourhood centre on Friday and Ms Aitchison welcomes unwrapped presents, which can be dropped off to her office in Elgin Street, until December 17. The hampers will be handed out on December 20.