Financial strains and family pressures from COVID-19 have resulted in more families than ever in need of assistance, PFANS assistant manager Ann Fletcher said.

"We certainly are getting a lot of enquiries at the centre now with many people facing a loss of income or an increase in their rent and we appreciate all donations from the community," she said.

"It's the small things that can make a big difference. We often receive lots of lovely gifts for little ones and teenage girls but find we struggle with enough gifts for boys and teen boys in particular."

Ms Fletcher suggested gift donations of vouchers to the movies or other local activities and gift vouchers to stores such as EB Games, JB Hi-Fi and Rebel Sports.

The Mutual Bank's Raymond Terrace business banking manager Scott Pulbrook said no donation was too small.

"Every donation is appreciated and can hopefully help make the season a little brighter for some families doing it a little tougher than usual this year," he said.

"Unwrapped gifts such as toiletry packs for men and women along with special seasonal food items such as puddings and chocolates are always appreciated."

Gifts are asked to be dropped to the William Street branch between business hours before Saturday, December 11.

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