Ottawa's Caring and Sharing Exchange is putting out an appeal for help.
The charitable organization says there's been a 23% jump in the number of applications for Christmas hampers this year, and they still have more than4,100 individuals and families in need.
Executive director Cindy Smith said the sharp increase in applications from needy families this year is mainly due to the rising cost of living, and the influx of Syrian refugee families over the past year.
Smith said people can help through cash donations, which the exchange uses to put together its own hampers, or putting together, and delviering, their own hamper for a family or individual on their list.
"It's a great experience for people - it's very tangible, and it's a feel-good experience for both those who receive the hampers and those delivering them," she said.
"We've had really positive feedback on that program."
Details are available at caringandsharing.ca