A plea for help with the queue outside Auckland's City Mission, several hundred people deep every morning this week.

The mission says it's under pressure in the final lead-up to Christmas.

It's distributed 11,349 food parcels so far this year.

The queue has been forming around 3am each morning, despite the terrible weather.

Missioner Diane Robertson says most people come for emergency food parcels after using their entitlements to Work and Income Special Needs Grants.

She says people in genuine need have nowhere else to turn - and the mission desperately needs donations of money, food and presents.