Thanks to the generosity of the community many Wairarapa children from needy families will wake on Christmas morning to a gift under the tree.
More than 500 presents including Barbie dolls, handmade soft toys, Lego, train sets, porcelain dolls and much more have been dropped into the Times-Age in support of deserving families.
The boxes of toys - many already wrapped - have been given to the Salvation Army to be distributed to families who will also be receiving a Christmas food parcel.
The community has also gifted a shopping trolley full of food for the Wairarapa Foodbank by dropping non-perishable food items into the Times-Age office in Chapel St.
One kind person even wrapped a dozen or so gifts of beauty products to be given to mothers for Christmas.
Masterton Salvation Army Lieutenant Daryn Bishop said he was blown away by the gesture when he arrived to pick up the haul of toys.
About 70 food parcels, to be given out to the needy in Masterton, will include toys for the children.
A further 50 or so will go to other areas including Carterton, Featherston and Martinborough struggling families.
"It's just fabulous. The community spirit has been just amazing during these tough economic times," he said.
"It's been a tough year so it is great that some people in the community are able to bless others. We are proud to see this happening."
Carterton Salvation Army Lieutenant Logan Bathurst said it was a fantastic gesture from the community, as he packed up the gifts.
"These will go to kids who otherwise wouldn't be getting anything for Christmas.
"It's incredibly warming to see the community helping out those less fortunate. It's a credit to the Wairarapa community."
Times-Age advertising manager Bex Johnson said it was heart-warming to see the pile of gifts slowly growing in the past two weeks. Staff also contributed to the community collection.
"It's just amazing."
People really went out of their way to ensure needy families weren't left out this Christmas, Ms Johnson said.
"I was really astonished at the quality of the gifts ... they are not cheap presents. Obviously people care."
The best part for her has been watching families arriving laden down with toys.
"It's been great watching the children with their families helping them put presents under the tree.
"They are learning from an early age to be thoughtful and to have a generous spirit."