Public Invited to Join in Palmerston North Hospital Christmas Present Appeal and Foodbank Drive

24/11/2009 | PN Hospital Christmas Appeal

The public is invited to join with MidCentral District Health Board staff in spreading some Christmas cheer to needy city families in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

Between Tuesday December 1, and Wednesday December 23, MDHB is running its annual foodbanks drive and appeal for Christmas presents.

All gifts become part of the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal. This is the sixth year MDHB has joined forces with Kmart and it hopes it will be able to match last year’s outstanding effort in collecting over 670 presents. Last year’s hospital collection helped Kmart reach more than 4000 presents, the most of any Kmart store in New Zealand – a target it hopes to achieve again this year.

MDHB also welcomes non-perishable food items. The Salvation Army and Methodist Social Services’ foodbanks will benefit from any food donations in Palmerston North.
Gifts and food items are distributed throughout the region by Salvation Army and Barnardo staff.

Any non-perishable food and gifts can be left under a giant Christmas tree, or food bins inside the main entrance of Palmerston North Hospital.

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 public are asked indicate the appropriate gender and age of the recipient.

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.

A four-metre high Christmas tree has been kindly loaned to Palmerston North Hospital by Manawatu Lions, and again it will be displayed just inside the Main Entrance.

Some Christmas garlands have also been kindly donated by The Plaza and these will deck some of the hospital corridors, adding to the Christmas spirit.