Faith Christian Church parishioners in Chadstone and Dandenong, as well as several corporations, have donated quality pre-loved and new clothes, new toys and non-perishable food to the Helping Hand Day.

The event is open to people with a pension or healthcare card. They will receive a bag of clothes, a food hamper, a toy, a barbecue lunch and entertainment on the day.

Organiser Alun Davies, of We Care Community Services, says he is astounded by the number of families they help on the day.

"It's heartbreaking to think of families, especially children, lacking essentials such as food and even toys at Christmas."

Last year, about 250 people attended the Oakleigh event.

Faith Christian Church Chadstone pastor Tracy Shand said last year's event helped a mother who was without money after separating from her husband.

"Without us, they wouldn't have had toys for Christmas. We gave her something to get through Christmas."

She said there were plenty of other families in similar need, including refugees from Sudan who had come to Australia "with nothing".

"I'm anticipating that with the interest rate hikes more will be coming. We hope people will go away with a big smile on their faces."

Helping Hand Day is at Uniting Church Hall, 154 Drummond Street, Oakleigh, on Saturday, 10am-1pm.