The reception at the Northern Advocate's office has resembled a toy shop the last few weeks.
Teddy bears, games, toys and food have been kindly brought in by the public for our annual Christmas appeal.
This year all donations go to Barnardos, an organisation that help struggling families with a number of issues. Many of the families they help can't afford the luxuries Christmas brings.
Whangarei Barnardos service manager Shirley Drake said she was ecstatic about how generous people had been.
"We've done three pick ups and each time we've been blown away by the amount of donations. The first time I came by myself and had to call someone else to help me."
Ms Drake said Barnardos social workers have been busy dropping off the donations to the families they help. Social worker Fran Hauraki her and the families were blown away.
"It's just amazing they get to have a kick out of Christmas day. It's the non-verbal expressions that say it all," she said
Toys, new or old in good condition, and non-perishable food can be brought into the Advocate office on Robert St. The last collection date will on Christmas Eve - Wednesday. All donations will be gratefully received.