Editorial: Help make a difference for many at Christmas

The festive season is almost upon us. For most, it is a time to reconnect with family members, exchange gifts on Christmas Day and enjoy festive food with all the trimmings.

But not everyone will be so lucky.

Some families will be struggling to put food on their table, and will be turning to the Tauranga Community Foodbank for help.

And that's why the Bay of Plenty Times is again launching its annual Christmas appeal, raising food and money for the foodbank.

The foodbank does a wonderful job helping people who, for whatever reason, are finding it hard to provide for themselves and their families.

No child should have to go hungry, and it is well-documented that Christmas can be financially difficult for many families. Christmas for them is far from a relaxing time of the year. It's a time of stress, hardship, struggle and anguish.

The foodbank does an amazing job ensuring families that have fallen on hard times have somewhere to turn to for help.

This year is the fifth in a row the Bay of Plenty Times has supported this fantastic charity.

Each year we have been amazed by just how generous the Tauranga community is. Few people turn down a request to help those who find themselves in a tight spot.

Last year was no different. Community groups, businesses and families pulled out all the stops to raise a staggering $107,500 for the appeal. It was a fantastic result and something the whole community can be proud of.

Now, we need your help again. We'll be putting the foodbank firmly on the news agenda between now and December 23 and encouraging people and businesses to give what they can.

These donations help the foodbank to help thousands of people in need each year. The food parcels it provides are a saving grace, a helping hand or sometimes a person's first meal after days of being hungry.

This campaign, the paper and the foodbank, with help from others, will be running a can drive. We will also be asking businesses and schools to help collect food and goods. You can drop off grocery items or money at the foodbank itself and the Bay of Plenty Times offices on Cameron Rd.

Any donation or help will be greatly appreciated. And please let us know if you're planning to do something to help raise money and goods.

Details of this year's appeal will be outlined in the paper and on our website, bayofplentytimes.co.nz, and our Facebook page. This year's appeal is also being supported by The Hits radio station.

During this time we will bring you regular stories involving the foodbank, its volunteers, the people it helps, how the process works and how your donation can make a difference.

Please help us to help others and support the Bay of Plenty Times Christmas Appeal.