BRINGING a smile to a struggling family is what makes the Whitsunday Times Adopt-a-Family drive so rewarding for such volunteers as Jan Branch of St Vincent de Paul Cannonvale.

"Some families have been nominated and don't even know yet, so when we arrive with Christmas hampers they're very grateful. There are tears from them and myself, it really does touch you," she said.

Adopt-a-Family aims to bring some Christmas cheer to families under financial strain in the Whitsunday region, and this year the list of families included extra information to make choosing gifts even easier.

Hampers are due for delivery this week, and Adopt-A-Family coordinator Kellie Chart is asking those involved to ensure they deliver their hamper to the community organisation they have been working with as soon as possible.

"This year's appeal has received a really positive response, as always," Ms Chart said.

A total of 70 families were nominated for this year's Adopt-a-Family, put forward by community organisations including Meals on Wheels, Proserpine Community Centre, St Vincent de Paul Cannonvale and Proserpine, Whitsunday Crisis and Counselling, Whitsunday Housing and the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre.

"Lots of people do it every year and were waiting for the list to be released so they could get shopping.

"Thank you to the community for supporting our campaign once again and truly making a difference to a family's festive season."