The group aims to pack, wrap and deliver 1000 Christmas hampers to families in need in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Maitland.

Inside the hampers will be children’s toys, books, toiletries and non-perishable food items generously donated by the community.

Twenty-five volunteers have been planning the mission since last Christmas.

The group assembled last November after Adamstown Heights resident, and now coordinator, Michelle Lee decided to rekindle the basket brigade, which formed in Newcastle about 11 years ago but quickly lost steam.

With just three weeks to prepare, the team of about 35 volunteers prepared and delivered 106 baskets four days before Christmas.

This year they are back to do it all again, and they have set their sights high.

Basket brigades are a popular concept in the United States and are gaining traction in Australia.

There are brigades in Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Melbourne and Perth.

The Newcastle brigade operates under the umbrella of the Magic Moments Foundation, an Australian not-for-profit organisation that runs community-based projects to help the young, elderly and needy.

This year 3000 gifts and countless boxes of food have been donated.

Most of it is currently stored at Ms Lee’s home, which could easily be mistaken for Santa’s workshop.

Two wrapping days will be held this month at Wallsend Masonic Hall, on December 6 and 13.

Volunteers will pack the hampers and then anonymously deliver them in person to a list of recipients, nominated by local schools and outreach centres.

A note in the hamper reads: “This is from someone who cares about you. All we ask is that you take care of yourself well enough to be able to do this for someone else some day”.

Ms Lee said it brought joy to the volunteers to see the shock, tears and smiles in response.

“For the volunteers the experience is just as great as the recipients,” she said.

“The best part for most people is seeing [recipients’] reactions.”

The Newcastle Basket Brigade is still calling for volunteers to help wrap and deliver hampers on December 6 and 13 at Wallsend Masonic Hall from 6am to 6pm.

Food and gift donations are also needed.

To get in touch, email newcastlebasketbrigade@magicmoments.org.au or visit the Newcastle Basket Brigade’s Facebook page.