The generous hearts of the community were on full display today as Fill the Bus made its fifth annual trip around the city.
Cans of baked beans, packets of pasta, boxes of Weet-Bix were among the items piled on to the bus that was packed to the brim by the end of the 10-hour trip.
All items collected were set to go towards the Rotorua Daily Post and Salvation Army Christmas Appeal to restock the organisation's foodbank in time for Christmas and into 2020.
Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Ritchies donated the use of a bus, which made its way around the city from 8am, starting at the Redwoods Shopping Centre.
Salvation Army corps officer Ralph Overbye said the day was a total "highlight of the year" for the charity and himself too.
He said it was incredible how much food was given, but at the end of the day "it was about so much more than that".
He enjoyed being able to get out into the community and meet the people giving back, he said.
The schools were important because it gave the kids a "sense of community" and helped them understand that the world was a lot bigger than their immediate surroundings.
"It helps them learn that our community doesn't all have the same opportunities."
#FILLTHEBUS: Rotokawa School putting it on for Fill the Bus! https://www.nzherald.co.nz/rotorua-daily-post/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503438&objectid=12290695
Foodbank co-ordinator Glen Harmer said Fill the Bus was the "main event of the year" for the foodbank and gave them a much-needed boost for Christmas.
He said it was overwhelming to see how generous the community were and he expected the foodbank to be "bursting at the seams" by the end of the day.
"Thank you Rotorua for your willingness to make a difference for those people who need it."
The Hits' host Paul Hickey, who spent most of the day on the bus, said there was such an "air of positivity" as everyone who came on and off the bus had the biggest smile.
The route's final stop was at Countdown Fairy Springs before lugging the full bus back to the Salvation Army to unload. The final tally will be revealed tomorrow.