Christmas has come early for some South Auckland children with the boxing superstar David Tua among volunteers handing out gifts as part of the Christmas Present Drop.

Watch Checkpoint's John Campbell at St John the Evangelist Catholic School today with David Tua:

With twenty days to go until Christmas, many children have a growing sense of excitement. Letters to Santa, requests to Mum and Dad, new bikes, or scooters or screens.

But poverty doesn't take Christmas off and low income don't suddenly get a windfall at Christmas time.

So, local volunteers, supported by businesses who released staff or made donations, have collected presents for children in Ōtara.

Nothing flash, no XBoxes, but a gift, to open, and to have.