The Christchurch Salvation Army will be catering for a few extras this year - those that have been displaced by the 7.8 earthquake.

They've got at least 350 parcels to fill with presents and ingredients for Christmas dinners for families in need in Christchurch.

Major Paul Herring said the 7.8 quakes made their job even bigger.

"We have a number of families who have moved to Christchurch from Kaikoura. [We'll be] providing them with some of the essential things in the homes that they've been provided to live with - blankets, bedding, cutlery."

However, Major Herring said their stores have been depleted.

"We sent bulk food to Kaikoura and are still doing that and to other places - that's going to impact what we're giving at Christmas because there's not a lot to go round."

He said if the worst comes the worst, they'll have to buy supplies rather than rely on donations to fill the gap.