People are being encouraged to embrace the spirit of giving and donate a present to a child in need as part of the Blacktown Mayoress Christmas Gift Appeal.
Mayoress Norma Bunting encouraged people to give if they were able.
"While Christmas is a time of joy for many of us, it can bring sadness to those experiencing hard times or loneliness.
"The Blacktown City community has always given generously to this appeal and I hope we can bring some Christmas cheer to people doing it tough."
People can bring unwrapped gifts for children up to 16 years to designated Council venues (see list below).
Suggestions include new and unused toys, books, clothing and non-perishable goods.
Community groups Blacktown Area Community Centres, Domestic Violence Service Management and Yenu Allowah Aboriginal Child and Family Centre will distribute donated gifts to children in need.
Blacktown Area Community Centres Coordinator Early Childhood Programs Donna Smith said many families needed assistance to provide essentials such as food and school supplies due to the cost of living.
"Families are having to choose between paying the rent and putting petrol in the car," she said.
"So giving gifts to children is low among the priorities when you have to prioritise having a roof over your head.
"This appeal will give relief to families knowing they will not have to make that choice."
Yenu Allowah Aboriginal Child and Family Centre Operations Manager Liz Stasous was looking forward to seeing delighted children receive the presents when Santa visits the centre.
Domestic Violence Service Management Family Violence Manager Avani Bhatt said the donated gifts will make a difference to women and children who have gone through tough times.
"This will light up their Christmas," she said.
Gifts can be left at Kids Early Learning centres, Blacktown Aquatic Centre, Blacktown City Council Foyer, Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope Gardens, Charlie Lowles Leisure Centre at Emerton, Dennis Johnson Library at Stanhope Gardens, Lalor Park Library, Max Webber Library, Mt Druitt Hub and Library, Riverstone Library and Riverstone Neighbourhood Centre.
Donations will be accepted until 5 pm on 4 December.
