For many, Christmas is an exciting time filled with family gatherings and joyous celebrations.

For others it can quite stressful, as they struggle to get by.

Sheldon Appelle, Communications Manager at Winnipeg Harvest says, Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year for the foodbank, with more people coming forward asking for help.

"Some of them it's because they have no choice, or there is no other option. For others the holidays have taken a toll on their funds. We just want to make it comfortable for everyone."

People are looking for everything from food items to create special Christmas memories, to just the basic necessities.

"We have to feed 64,000 people a month here in Manitoba. It is a staggering number that has gone up from 62,000, two years ago. Of that 64,000, 41% of those are children under the age of 18.  We just want to get the word out, that no one should go hungry, especially at this time of the year," said Appelle.

There are a variety of ways to help out including, buying extra food while out shopping and dropping it off at Winnipeg Harvest, making a monetary donation, or by grabbing a group of friends and volunteering  time in the Winnipeg Harvest warehouse.

Donations to Winnipeg Harvest are accepted year round.