Tauranga's United Travel has surprised Homes of Hope with two Santa sacks full of gifts for children.

CEO and co-founder of Homes of Hope, Hilary Price, was surprised with the sacks full of gifts when she was a guest speaker at the United Travel Christmas party at Brooklyn Patio and Eatery.

Kay Rogers, Hilary Price and Catherine Membery. Photo: Supplied.

United Travel sponsor Homes of Hope and asked Hilary to talk to their staff about what they are doing to help local children in need.

Statistically, incidents of abuse go up around Christmas due to stress and other factors.

So while it's the best time of year for some families, it's also the worst for others. Homes of Hope tend to be busiest, right when everyone else is taking time off.

'We were just about to organise gifts for the children from Santa, so this is such a blessing,” says Hilary regarding last week's charitable donation.

'It's given me goosebumps thinking about how people in the community seem to help, just before we ask for it.”

United Travel director Catherine Membery says they like to help Homes of Hope as they are such an important charity.

'My sons helped choose the gifts for the children, some of whom won't be spending Christmas in their own homes this year.”

Fellow director Kay Rogers says: 'It was a privilege to have Hilary come and talk to our staff about the inspiring work they do. We all have families and her words touched a lot of us,” For more information about the charity, visit: http://homesofhope.org.nz