Wagga City Library took a new approach to running its most recent annual food drive and appealed to the community for non-perishable items over Christmas.

Replacing their usual 'Food for Fines' initiative, the Christmas appeal saw more than 1000 food items donated.

The goods were passed on to the Salvation Army, with mission coordinator Ros Robinson saying they were "extremely grateful".

"It really enables us to help more people, we couldn't do it without you," she said.

"Last year we gave out 100 hampers, and this year we've doubled that."

Ms Robinson added that the families receiving hampers were "very humbled".

"The community has been really struggling through COVID in particular with the loss of work, domestic violence experiences and other family issues like having kids going back to school and the costs associated with that," she said.

"So these donations are absolutely crucial."

Acting manager of library services Christine Bolton said the month-long drive, which ran from November 24 to December 24 - exceeded expectations.

"It was just lovely to see the community act so generously, especially with COVID last year being a very tricky time for everyone, so the kindness was wonderful," she said.

Ms Bolton said the library planned to run the food appeal again this year.