Santa and his elves will be at the Rotorua Night Market on Thursday to lend a hand and collect donations to the Salvation Army.
Visitors are encouraged to donate a can of tinned food to the mid-winter Christmas appeal in support of the Salvation Army food bank.
The event is sponsored by Red Stag Timber and supported by St Chad's Charitable Trust.
The Rotorua Night Market's manager, Brigitte Nelson, said while there would be a festive theme to the evening, the purpose of the event was to fill the food banks at the Salvation Army.
"Many in our community struggle during the winter months trying to put enough food in their cupboards for their families," she said.