"We say that if you receive a Christmas hamper, please don't come for dinner."
She paid tribute to her recovery church team leader Gary Codlin and others who'd agreed to organised this year's lunch.
On demands for food parcels heading into the festive period, Ms Elkington was confident her office would be able to cater for any increase in requests as donations had been healthy.
The Whangarei Salvation Army currently helps 1300 families through its food bank.
Ms Elkington said her staff and volunteers had been "firm" in handing out food parcels as they wanted to engage people in transforming their lives and for them to become productive members of society.
"The generosity of the public [in donating food] has been unbelievable. We'll cater for the demand and we'll buy some stuff if we need to," she said.
She also encouraged people to take advantage of the Wattie's Cans film festival, which was in its 21st year, to help Kiwi families in need.
All donated cans of food help the Salvation Army food banks nationwide.
People can exchange a can for a movie pass at Event Cinemas in Whangarei.
Movies they can watch in Whangarei are 2D Planes: Fire Rescue airing at 6pm and 2D Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at 6.15pm.
Wattie's generously matches each can donated with one of its own.
