To the beginning of December, 154 people have asked for help and Captain Sanson said December was always the busiest month.
This year, there have been requests for 86 Christmas hampers, compared to 72 last year.
The hampers will go out to Cromwell, Roxburgh Ranfurly and around Alexandra. Cromwell groups provide toys for hampers there and Alexandra helps out with food.
Roxburgh has a small food bank but often has to call on Alexandra for assistance.
This year, Alexandra Primary School pupils grew vegetables and potatoes in containers and buckets and gave them to the Salvation Army to include in the hampers.
New World supermarket and Central Foods had also been a big help providing extra food.
The Salvation Army also has a large vegetable garden which is "going brilliantly".
"The radishes and silver beet have burst out with the rain and humidity," Captain Sanson said.
The large hall at the rear of the Salvation Army building was a hive of industry yesterday as the banana boxes were being filled with toys, drinks food and Christmas wrapping paper.
The Salvation Army works with all the social agencies to make sure there is no doubling-up.
They include Winz, the Anglican Supporting Families, Catholic Social Services, Women's Support Link, Mental Health, Budget Advice, Family Works and Time Out carers.
