They've been doing their thing again, packing hampers and collecting donations and gifts for their annual Christmas appeal.

The appeal shows that Hunter folks are a generous lot.

As many of us pause over the Christmas period to feel a bit of peace and joy, we're also mindful that some of our fellow humans are in need.

Many companies across the Hunter have been doing their bit. Newcastle Permanent branches have been among them.

They've been collecting donations for the Salvation Army appeal since early December.

Without these kinds of donations, there are some who wouldn't receive any gifts or festive fun. If you stop and think about that, it can put things into perspective, right?

Newcastle Permanent chief executive Bernadette Inglis said the festive season generated strong community spirit, particularly with many communities currently experiencing hardship.

She said the Perm had helped with the Salvos Christmas appeal for 31 years.

"We've seen the Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and Hunter regions dig deep to support those in need," she said.

"It's remarkable and very heartwarming how many people donate gifts year after year on top of their own family giving. Our teams enjoy the opportunity to participate by bringing in donations of their own."

She added that many regional communities had been hit hard by bushfires this year.

"Many families will be foregoing Christmas, or living in temporary housing because they've lost theirs," she said.

"So the need is greater than ever to share the joy with those who will find this season really hard."

Salvation Army Hunter officer, Major Mark Everitt, said the Salvos had experienced a significant increase in applications for help in the Hunter this year, along with many other places across the nation.

He said the hundreds of toys donated would find their place "in a stocking or underneath a tree on Christmas morning".

"These generous public donations are motivated by kindness," Major Everitt said.

He said this was heartening because "that is what the Christmas spirit is all about."

The unions, too, have been chipping in and doing their bit.

Members of the Maritime Union of Australia's Newcastle branch, for example, donated $12,000 to the John Hunter Hospital Starlight Children's Foundation on Thursday.

The money was raised by union members, including those who work on tug boats, at the port and in the coal sector, along with veterans.

"The Maritime Union has a long proud history of community activism and has supported many causes over the years," Maritime Union of Australia Newcastle branch secretary Glen Williams said.