Big-hearted Bellevue helps struggling families

Bellevue resident Jill Whimp was happy to give to the Bay of Plenty Times Christmas Appeal when Sandy Steel knocked on her door. Photo / Andrew Warner

Bellevue residents gave generously to the 2014 Bay of Plenty Times Christmas Appeal when volunteers came calling last night.

More than 20 Bay of Plenty Times staff and foodbank volunteers hit the streets to knock on doors around Bellevue Rd, Millers Place, Warwick Place, Upland St, Brookfield Tce, Seymour Place and Windsor Rd collecting donations of food for the Tauranga Community Foodbank.

Residents gave generously when volunteers came calling in the second of three street collections.

Editor Scott Inglis said the support of the Bellevue community was amazing.

"I'd like to say a huge thanks to everyone who gave so generously during last night's door-to-door collection. We were amazed to see people come to the door with boxes full of food to donate. We're very grateful."

Foodbank manager Nicki Goodwin estimated more than 400 items were collected.

The first can drive in Greerton saw more than 420 items of food collected. Since the appeal was launched less than four weeks ago more than $30,800 has been raised.

Not including last night's collection more than 6600 items of food have been donated to the appeal, with each item valued at $2. Cash donations of $17,678.95 have been dropped off to the foodbank and transferred into the appeal bank account. The last can drive will be held on Monday, December 8 in Tauranga South.