With so many people need this Christmas more volunteers than ever before are needed to make sure people get what they need. Bernadine Oliver-Kerby talks to some of the volunteers that return year on year.
This week, the Herald and Herald Focus are profiling struggling families who have lined up for parcels or food at Auckland's City Mission.
Sau Sosaia is one of many City Mission volunteers who return year after year to help Kiwis in need at Christmas time.
Sosaia has a fulltime job but said he likes to spend his spare time making a difference to the lives of others.
"We can go high and low in our life, but there's always a New Zealander that we do need to give support and give them help as much as we can.
"Just watching the smile of kids and just watching the smile of our staff...that's good enough for me."
Sosaia said the City Mission was one place where those from all walks of life came together as one.
City Mission worker Tayla Payne said individuals and corporate companies were among those who volunteer and help lighten the workload at this busy time of year.
"It's a tough time of the year and I think everyone knows that we need to help those in need."
It can be a stressful time of the year for the mission as they try make sure that the hundreds of people who line up before Christmas get what they need.
Tayla Payne says it's tough to see queues of people in need.
"At the same time it's pretty amazing to be a part of it, it's more of a positive stress," said Payne.
"All the donations have been incredible, no one's missing out this year."
Payne said she sees queues of people outside the mission when she arrives at work each day.
"That's quite tough to see."
However, it was rewarding going home every day knowing that the City Mission has made a difference to so many people, she said.
The mission was still taking donations and encouraged those who can donate to do so.
