KEY POINTS:
Drinkers and gamblers have been told to get their priorities right if they are spending money that should be going to their families at Christmas.
The Salvation Army said demand for help at Christmas was up 20 per cent this year, possibly more in some areas, and some of that was caused by drinking and gambling problems.
Tough economic times had also contributed and a lot more people on higher incomes were asking for help, army spokesman Major Robbie Ross said.
Major Ross said it often meant children got no Christmas presents and there was often little to put on the table for Christmas dinner.
"A lot of people who come to us for assistance, there is a problem somewhere along the line caused by alcohol - that and gambling.
"It can take a toll on families, particularly now, and somebody suffers.
"The message is to think. The other message is if you need help then contact the Salvation Army and we will do what we can to help."
Major Ross said many people were unable to cope with the financial pressures, even where alcohol and gambling were not a problem.
He also said the Salvation Army Christmas appeals to help less fortunate people were going well but more generosity was required.
The army's Christmas gift appeal, the largest in the country, needed another 13,000 presents to cope with a record demand for help.
Some of the less affluent areas had given much more than in previous years. In Manukau, South Auckland, the donation of gifts was up 173 per cent and in Shirley, Christchurch, it was up 83 per cent.
"Where New Zealanders see someone in need and where they see the need rising, they always seem to come to the fore on that and it is the great thing about this country.
"People see other people in need and they want to help."
Major Ross said sales of the army's Christmas music was also unexpectedly high. It ordered 40,000 compact discs and had sold 31,000 at $5 each.
"We can put that money to use in helping the needy. We think we are going to sell out."
The CD was available from Countdown, Foodtown and Woolworths supermarkets.
He said it was heartbreaking to see families who were trying hard, unable to cope.
- NZPA
