The time of year to spread some cheer

HEAD START: Michele Glogoski (centre) with two of her cheer crew Toni Motley (left) and Kane Dougan with the pile of goodies from late donations last year which have given this year's appeal a great start. PHOTO/GLENN TAYLOR

Christmas is but a month away and while it is a time of festive fun for many, it can also be a not so festive time for some who find things a little tough.

That is where the annual Christmas Cheer Appeal steps in.

The appeal kicked off more than 30 years ago in a very modest way but has grown to become a huge commercial and community supported food, gift and fundraising event steered by the Napier City Council's Community Development unit and Family Works.

As always, Hawke's Bay Today is devoted to being part of it.

The 2014 Christmas Cheer Appeal kicked off today and will run until December 15 when hundreds of parcels for less fortunate families in Napier and Hastings will be readied for delivery. About 480 parcels will be prepared in Napier and an equal amount in Hastings - with recipients nominated by 35 social, church and community agencies in Napier and 38 in Hastings.

As Jo Reyngoud from Family Works and Michele Glogoski from Community Development agreed, while it is a lot of work to organise the appeal the satisfaction of knowing Christmas had been made brighter in so many homes was what drove the teams of volunteers who helped every year.

"Our youngest volunteer who comes along to help pack the parcels is 10 and we've also got a chap in his 70s," Mrs Reyngoud said.

Ms Glogoski said that was what it was all about.

"It's the community doing something for the community - it is so great to see." And even before today's kick-off the appeal got away to a solid start thanks to late donations of gifts, toys and non-perishable foodstuffs which arrived after last year's cut-off day and which were stored away.

As well, realising the appeal was nigh, donors had already begun to step forward to give the cash appeal (vital for purchasing food for the parcels) a great start.

Among them was Napier Mayor Bill Dalton, who steers the "Mayor's Fund" by writing to businesses seeking donations for the appeal.

He and wife Shirley decided to kick it off personally with a $250 donation.

Annual supporters St Vincent de Paul also chimed in early with a $125 donation. Progressive Enterprises dropped off a $50 voucher while the Aquatic Centre, Par2 Mini Golf and the National Aquarium also came up with vouchers.

Toys, gifts and books for children, teenagers and adults are sought for the gift parcels, as well as non-perishable foodstuffs.

Cash donations can also be made.