In October, agencies nominated families in need.
"We work carefully to ensure a family is only nominated once to allow more families to be supported," Overend said.
This year whānau received food parcels and children received a Santa Sack with a new donated gift.
A Children's Christmas Trust organised by Craggy Range helped provide Napier with the 1100 Santa Sacks for children in need.
Those living alone who need help received a grocery voucher, Christmas cake and Heinz Wattie's products, as well as a new donated gift.
Agencies working with the appeal then collected their parcels and delivered them directly.
One of the agencies involved was the Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the team said getting to deliver the parcels this year felt like a small reward for their hard work.
The appeal has been bringing Christmas cheer to those in need for more than 40 years.