MidCentral DHB 2011 food bank drive and Christmas present appeal starts December 1

23/11/2011 | Food bank drive

Ho Ho Ho …MidCentral DHB is again calling for the public and 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 starts next Thursday, 1 December.

A poster is available to help promote the appeal.

It is the eighth year MDHB has joined with the Kmart Wishing Tree appeal, which will run for three weeks until Thursday 22 December at Palmerston North Hospital. A separate appeal at Horowhenua Health Centre will run at the same time with food and presents being distributed locally.

Last year, the Kmart Palmerston North appeal collected 5450 presents – the most by any Kmart store in New Zealand for a third year in a row. This year the appeal aims to receive at least the same number. Gifts are distributed throughout the region by Salvation Army and Barnardo staff. Last year MDHB’s combined effort was around 1000 presents - a fantastic result.

Non-perishable food items are also welcomed and the Salvation Army food bank will benefit from any food donations in Palmerston North. Presents and food dropped off 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 bin 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 to 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 food, such as cereals, rice, pasta, spreads, milk powder, flour, sugar, and tinned meat, fish, vegetables, and baby food are the most practical gifts to donate. Packet or tinned soups, spaghetti and baked beans, Milo, coffee, tea bags, and drink sachets are other useful items. Toilet paper, cleaning products and toiletries like shampoos are also welcome, along with nappies. Tinned or packet pet food – especially cat and dog food - are other welcome items.