Final tally in from can drive

More than 3500 items were donated during the first Fill the Bus food drive yesterday. Photo/Ben Fraser

Rotorua's generosity saw more than 3500 items donated during the first Fill the Bus food drive.

The major campaign, led by The Hits 97.5, with support from the Rotorua Daily Post, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Reesby Buses, took place yesterday with 3564 items donated over the 12-hour period from 7am to 7pm.

The items, worth more than $7000, were donated as part of the Rotorua Daily Post Christmas Appeal for the Salvation Army Foodbank.

Rotorua Salvation Army commanding officer Major Bill Millar said the figures were on top of the 1380 items collected at a can drive in Ngongotaha on Monday night.

He said the collection of almost $10,000 worth of food over the two collections was "overwhelming and humbling". "We are absolutely delighted with it."

Mr Millar said people had been "quite innovative" with items like seeds, toiletries and a few presents being donated alongside food.

"People have been thinking outside the square."