"Some families may not be able to provide all the niceties they would like to and this initiative is to ensure they can get all the nice things that come along with Christmas."
It is hoped Christmas Care Packages will be delivered to 50 families and they will attempt to deliver to more depending on the number of donations, he said.
Families will be chosen through referrals from various Rotorua agencies for a variety of reasons, with the primary reason being ''will this family benefit from receiving a Christmas Care Package?'' he said.
Mr van Krieken said Christmas was a time of giving and this was a way people could help others in their own community.
He said they were happy to accept anything people were willing to give them, but they needed non-perishable food.
Toys for children, such as books and soft toys, which did not require batteries, would also be appreciated, he said.
Rotorua Youth Centre manager Steve Holmes said the centre was always keen to find opportunities with other groups and support the community.
He said he thought people wanted to help and support those who were struggling but did not always know how to, and this was a good vehicle for them to do so.
Donations can be dropped off to the Rotorua Youth Centre or the Rotorua Police Station by December 16.
The packages will be delivered in the days leading up to the Christmas weekend.
Any organisations which wish to make donations can contact Constable Marc van Krieken on (021) 191 0761.
Donation drop-offs:
-Rotorua Youth Centre, 6 Te Ngae Rd
-Rotorua Police Station
