Derby Lions Club's Christmas appeal invites schoolchildren from across the county to donate food and drink to the needy. Last Christmas they helped more than 400 people.
The club says the campaign could be even more vital this year, as people are suffering the effects of the recession.
Club member Brian Burke, who co-ordinates the project each year, said: "It would be really nice to collect more parcels this year but we know that will be a difficult challenge, particularly in the current economic climate.
"The appeal has always been a wonderful thing to get involved in because it's so nice to see children across the county prepared to help others during Christmas.
"By sending out the message that giving is important part of Christmas celebrations, the appeal has two benefits, both for the schoolchildren and for those who receive parcels."
The campaign, which is being supported by the Derby Telegraph, will benefit several good causes.
These include Guinness Trust housing association, Rebecca Court Women's Refuge and Jericho House, a project that helps people suffering from drug addiction.
The appeal was officially launched at a ceremony at the Derby Telegraph's offices in Meadow Road, Derby.
© Derby Evening Telegraph
Derby Mayor Sean Marshall, who attended the ceremony, said: "The times we find ourselves in are hard and, if people can help each other out in ways like this appeal, then it can only be a benefit.
"It is particularly pertinent at Christmas as well, because everyone wants to enjoy this time of year and these parcels will go some way to helping this."
Each primary and junior school which chooses to take part in the campaign will receive a collection box.
They will be filled with tins and packets of food and drink throughout November and collected by Derby Lions in the first week of December.
All the items will then be sorted into food parcels and distributed to charities, organisations and individuals.
Derby Lions has been running Christmas collections for more than 20 years and, 10 years ago, the group first decided to invite schools to join the appeal.
Neil White, deputy editor of the Derby Telegraph, also attended yesterday's launch.
He said: "It is a very worthwhile cause and we hope we can help the club to provide as many, if not more, parcels to vulnerable people as it has done in the past."
Derby Lions will begin contacting schools from next week to invite them to get involved with the appeal.