Volunteers at the Cessnock outreach service have been busy this week wrapping gifts and assembling hampers that will be distributed to up to 60 families in need on Thursday evening.

The charity will host dinner from 4pm to 6pm on Christmas Eve at the former caretaker's cottage at Cessnock Tennis Courts.

Hunter Hands of Hope president Melissa Gontier said the support from the community this festive season has been outstanding.

"We have had so much generosity - it's just amazing!" she said.

"We've accommodated for up to 60 families. They will all receive a hamper, and there will be gifts for all of the children.

"No-one will go without."

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Ms Gontier said she hopes the Christmas Eve dinner will help in some way to make up for the cancellation of this year's Cessnock Christian Christmas Lunch, which won't go ahead after a suitable venue that met social distancing regulations couldn't be found.

Hunter Hands of Hope can only seat 16 people at a time under the current restrictions, one of the many reasons Ms Gontier hopes the outreach can find a new, larger home in 2021.

Hunter Hands of Hope will be closed December 27 and New Year's Eve, but will otherwise continue to operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 5pm to 7pm throughout the holiday season.

Volunteers, meals and donations are always welcome. For more information, call 0429 779 067 or message Hunter Hands of Hope on Facebook.