Time to help others enjoy some Christmas cheer

HAPPY TIDINGS: Wairarapa Times-Age editor Andrew Bonallack (left), general manager Andrew Denholm and Bex Johnson with some of the gifts which have already come in for the Christmas appeal in support of the needy in the community.PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA WTA031313LFXMAS

"If you can then you should," is Bex Johnson's motto as she and staff at the Times-Age take on a Christmas food and toy collection for the most needy in our community.

Management has placed a shopping trolley in the Times-Age foyer where staff and the public are invited to place non-perishable goods which will be given to the foodbank for food parcels.

A decorated Christmas tree has also been set-up where toys and gifts can be left for people who wouldn't otherwise find the festive season such a joyful time of year.

Both are slowly being filled by generous members of the public.

Ms Johnson said the newspaper was in a position to help out and so it was doing so. She hopes the community will also jump onboard and donate food and toys.

"We are a community newspaper, this is our region, our people and we want to support our community. We have the capacity to reach a large number of readers ... this is the perfect vehicle to reach out," she said.

Many people in the community were struggling financially and wouldn't be able to celebrate the festive season without a bit of help.

"We want to help the less fortunate. I believe if we can, we should."

Non-perishable food and donations of toys can be dropped off at the Times-Age office on the corner of Chapel and Perry Sts between 8.30am and 5pm Monday to Friday or at Eastwood Motor Group in Dixon St.