Toastmasters raises cheer

Several people popped by yesterday and left items of food as well as soft toys and books. Photo / Thinkstock

The Pania Toastmasters of Napier has long supported the annual Christmas Cheer Appeal and once again its generosity is going to create plenty of smiles.

One of the toastmasters arrived at the Napier office of Hawke's Bay Today yesterday with several bags containing dozens and dozens of gifts.

There were toys, puzzles, coloured pen and pencil sets, books and games as well as great gifts for teenagers and adults.

Several people also popped by yesterday and left items of food as well as soft toys and books.

Progressive Enterprises also dropped off a $50 food voucher.

The cash fund edged up thanks to donations from individuals and members of the Taradale RSA Concert Party. Among them was a person who quickly popped in with $100 and simply said: "I just want to do something to help".

The many volunteers in both Napier and Hastings will be gearing up early next week for the big packing project, which will take a couple of days given there are about 960 less-fortunate families to pack up parcels for.

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