It was only four years ago that a single mother from Mowbray donated food to the Launceston City Mission. She was back there today to accept donations.

Today the woman, who wished to remain anonymous, suffers from depression, bipolar and anxiety, looks after five children, one with a disability and has just ended an abusive relationship.

"Some days I don't want to get out of bed, I don't want to socialise," the woman said yesterday.

"I've just started trying to get back into work because my health took a major turn."

She said money has been tight in the past, but never before has it been this bad. "I've never been this far down.

"Practically every three weeks I've been here for food because otherwise there would be nothing in the cupboard. This year Christmas has been one of the harder times for me because everything has just gone wrong."

The mother visited the Launceston City Mission yesterday to collect food and toys for her family.

"It's very overwhelming and very emotional and it's something that I'm very grateful for."

The Examiner's Empty Stocking Appeal is taking donations to distribute among several charities, including the Launceston City Mission. Donations can be dropped off at The Examiner's offices or in donation tins in the city.

LATEST APPEAL DONATIONS: Lions Club of Hadspen South Esk $500, anonymous $50, D&B $500, Inner Wheel Club of Tamar Valley $200. TOTAL: $7430.08.