Cash donations pass $10,000

Napier City Council planning adviser Jess Wilson (left) and Community Development's Michele Glogoski at work yesterday. Photo / Warren Buckland

As the Napier and Hastings Christmas Cheer crews continued the big packing process yesterday the goodies and cash continued to arrive and the generosity of the community had been outstanding.

The latest cash donations have pushed the total past the $10,000 mark - a terrific effort over just three weeks.

Ahuriri Rotary has long been a supporter of the annual appeal and it again stepped forward with $250, while another long-standing supporter, Maxine Boag, called by with a $150 donation.

The Tamatea Brownies were asked to take along a food item for the appeal and the result was three large bags of goodies.

Little 2-year-old Napier lad Will Nash and his mum arrived at the Napier office and he was delighted to see the big, sparkling Christmas tree, and equally happy to help mum deliver a box of gifts and goodies for the appeal.

Volunteers have been hard at it sorting the thousands of food and gift items into the 960 parcels which 35 community service agencies in Napier and 38 in Hastings will soon begin delivering for Christmas Day.

"It's been going very well and a big thanks to everyone who has supported the appeal - and the volunteers who have all given their time to do their bit," Michele Glogoski, from Napier City Council Community Development, said.

The appeal closes tomorrow.

Collection Points

Hawke's Bay Today offices; Hastings, Havelock North and Flaxmere public libraries; Family Works in Heretaunga House, Hastings; Paper Plus in Taradale; Curves in Greenmeadows; Napier Toyworld; Alexander Construction in Ahuriri; Napier and Hastings Mitre 10 Mega; Community Development in the Napier Library building.