MidCentral DHB Food Bank Drive and Christmas Present Appeal Starts December 3

22/11/2007 | Christmas Appeal

MidCentral DHB is calling for staff to help spread some Christmas cheer to needy families as they have done so generously in previous years, when the annual Christmas present appeal and food bank drive is launched on Monday 3 December.

The joint effort with the Kmart Wishing Tree appeal will run until Friday 21 December at Palmerston North Hospital. A separate appeal at Horowhenua Health Centre will run until Wednesday 19 December.

Last year, the Kmart Palmerston North appeal collected 3212 presents and this year the aim is to get 3500 presents. Gifts are distributed throughout the region by Salvation Army and Barnardo staff. Last year MDHB’s combined effort topped 1000 presents.


Presents galore: MidCentral Health
general manager, Lareen Cooper at
Palmerston North Hospital with last
year's impressive collection.

Non-perishable food items are also welcomed and both the Salvation Army and Methodist Social Services’ food banks will benefit from any food donations in Palmerston North.  Presents and gifts dropped at the Horowhenua Health Centre will be collected and distributed by the Levin Salvation Army.

At Palmerston North Hospital gifts and non-perishable food items can be left under a giant Christmas tree or in food bins inside the main entrance. At Horowhenua Health Centre contributions can be left at the front reception or in the back staffroom.

Both new and pre-loved presents are greatly appreciated, however any pre-loved gifts need to be complete and in good condition. People are also encouraged to look at $2 type shops for inexpensive gifts. Unwrapped gifts are perfectly acceptable and if presents are wrapped the staff are asked indicate the appropriate gender and age of the recipient. Please also remember that teenage boys around 12-15 years are a group the Salvation Army staff find difficult to source presents for.

Staple, non-perishable foods, such as cereals, rice, pasta, spreads, milk powder, and tinned meat, fish, and vegetables are the most practical gifts to donate.  Packet or tinned soups, spaghetti and baked beans, Milo, coffee and tea bags are other useful items.  Toilet paper, cleaning products and toiletries like shampoos are also welcome. However, it would be nice to consider donating some Christmas treats – Christmas cakes, sweets, and other Christmas goodies.

Contact: Horowhenua Health Centre appeal coordinator: Melinda van der Made, ext 4407; Palmerston North Hospital appeal coordinator: Claire McMahon, ext 8945