But the St Vincent de Paul Society ACT-Goulburn is calling on Canberra to help those who can't afford these luxuries or often even basic needs.

The charity's ACT president, Warwick Fulton, said a record 35 schools were taking part in this year's Christmas appeal and had begun collecting donations, food items and gifts for those in need.

"This is a difficult time for some people in our community, particularly where there is a broken relationship or if they are doing it tough financially, once you minus the very basics, food becomes an optional expenditure," he said.

"We've had a tremendous response from schools this year, who are providing a huge amount of the food and donations and christmas presents for other children who might not otherwise get them."

In the past year, the charity's 650 volunteers in the ACT region responded to 17,365 calls for assistance and provided $2.6 million in material aid.

This support was mostly food, but included other expenses such as bills, rent and car registration.

This festive season alone, the charity expects to provide half a million dollars in emergency assistance to more than 3000 families and individuals.

Calls for help to the charity are also likely to increase from November through to January.

In an effort to minimise the number of empty Christmas trees and hungry kids in Canberra this year, the charity will provide 1500 Christmas hampers packed with donated food and toys.

Mr Fulton reminded the community that even the smallest donation could help change lives.

As part of the charity's last Christmas appeal, it provided a home in Tuggeranong for a family of five while they waited for government housing.

"We supported that family for about six weeks and in that case we were able to get the government to give them priority because they were really in a bad way," Mr Fulton said.

"We have kept in a little bit of contact and fortunately they are doing quite well. We find that if people have somewhere to call home and have a job they are then able to pull themselves up."

While the charity has not since supported families in a similar situation, Mr Fulton was "sure it will happen [in the next few months] because there is great pressure on families during Christmas".

Donate to the 2016 Vinnies Christmas Appeal at vinnies.org.au/christmasappeal or on 13 18 12.

To get your school involved, email youth@svdp-cg.org.au.