The International Order of Old Bastards, a Melbourne-based charity, delivered two vanloads of toys and non-perishable food to the society last Christmas.

It was the icing on a bumper season for donations to the organisation, matching a soaring need for help for needy families and people with mental health issues.

Benevolent society co-ordinator Margaret Ladner said the society prepared a record 600 hampers, up by 200 in 2010.

"We were able to give out hundreds of toys. This Christmas we didn't refuse any family in need. The International Order of Old Bastards have come in previous times but this time they exceeded themselves."

IOOB member Ian Arrell, a former Dandenong CIB detective, said the charity gave away about $10,000 in food parcels each Christmas.

"We don't give it to charities with professional fund-raisers. We focus on getting help to the people who need it, such as those who fall through the cracks at Christmas time."

The charity didn't seek the spotlight, he said. Its 300 members had lunch and donated money every second month and quietly give money to good causes.

"We'll pay expenses for a single mum we hear about or a ride-on scooter for someone at an RSL," Mr Arrell said. "I've been in it for 30 years and I love it."