The tree is a joint program between McElwaines and the Dungog Shire Community Centre which has run locally for a number of years. Historically it receives about 500 gifts from generous Dungog residents each year.

After the devastation faced by the town in April, however, organisers are hoping the number of donations will grow significantly.

Natasha McElwaine said the community needed to support itself more than ever this Christmas.

“Because we were hit so hard we’re hoping the community will be generous,” she said.

“My wish is to see a child, who would not normally get much for Christmas, unwrap a hand-wrapped gift.”

Sarah U’Brien from the Community Centre said demand had slowly increased in the years before the disastrous flood. But 2015 witnessed an exponential rise.

“Usually we put together 110 hampers over Christmas, this year we’re already looking at over 250,” she said.

“We work with schools, local services and charities to identify who needs what and we go from there.

Mrs U’Brien said at least 70 families around Dungog were still disrupted by the floods and the economic downturn across the region contributed to increased vulnerability.

“As it stands now we still haven’t heard back from the schools, so we don’t know how many people will be in need over Christmas at this stage.”

Despite the concerns, Mrs U’Brien was moved by the first wave of gifts which had been placed under the tree.

They included soccer balls and Christmas decorations.

Ideal gifts for teenage boys and parents rebuilding homes, two groups Mrs U’Brien said are often overlooked.

“The generosity always astounds us,” she said.

“Dungog always delivers and this year we hope that will be the case again.”