St Vincent de Paul Society state president Mark Gaetani and The Examiner editor Corey Martin thanked readers and subscribers who donated to this year's appeal.

"Christmas is a great time for a majority of the population, but it is not such a great time for those in need," Mr Gaetani said.

More than 200 hampers will be tailor made for Northern families, with the $18,000 donation from the 61^st Winter Relief appeal expected to fund at least 120.

Rotary and St Patrick's College are also putting together a combined total of 80 hampers for the society.

"We are fortunate here that some of the other service organisations contribute as well," Mr Gaetani said.

The society will distribute more than 1100 hampers across the state in the lead up to Christmas.

"We anticipate anything between $130 to $160 each hamper, but that depends on the number of kids in the family," Mr Gaetani said.

St Vincent de Paul Society Launceston regional president Vyv Allchin said up to 40 volunteers would be involved in the purchasing, packing and distribution of the Northern hampers.

"These are things to help them through ... so they have something to put on the table," Mr Allchin said.

"The packs will have ham, it might be a tinned ham, but there will still be a ham."

In a bid to support other service organisations, the hampers will also include Lions Christmas cakes, which Mr Gaetani said were the best Christmas cakes.

Mr Allchin said last year families who picked up their hamper were able to choose their toys, giving them a sense of ownership over the items and ensuring they selected something their children would like.

The Examiner's 111^th Empty Stocking appeal will launch on October 21.