Ngongotaha Medical Centre gets into the Christmas spirit (+video)

Every year Christine Hands likes to organise something for the Rotorua Daily Post Salvation Army Foodbank Christmas Appeal.

And with the great response last year, the Ngongotaha Medical Centre administrator decided a donation box would be set up at the clinic for the fourth year running.

"There's a lot of people out there that can't afford Christmas. Christmas is all about caring and families. This year with homeless people around we do need to dig deep into pockets and the cupboards.

"I take my hat off to the Sallies for reaching out to the community. So many people go to the Salvation Army because they treat everybody the same.

"I think it's great that it goes in the paper because people see others joining in and then others step up and get on board.

"Even if it's just a tin of baked beans it helps, or you can just go along to the $2 shop and get something for the kiddies and it makes their Christmas great as well, we don't want them to miss out on Santa," Mrs Hands said.

Rotorua Salvation Army corps officer Kylie Overbye said the first week of the appeal had been fantastic.

"We have had a really exciting week with food donations starting to come in of which we are extremely grateful for.

"With the earthquakes going on, we are grateful for the response that has happened knowing that the greater need is with Kaikoura at the moment."

She said the whole office had a great buzz around it because of the generosity of the community.

Make your donations of non-perishable food at the Rotorua Daily Post office: 1143 Hinemoa St or the Salvation Army's Community Ministries, 1188 Amohia St.

You can also donate money at BNZ: The Salvation Army Rotorua, Reference: Foodbank, Acc: 02-0416-0024233-00. If any organisations, schools or individuals are organising a fundraising event, please let us know by emailing news@dailypost.co.nz or contacting reporter Kyra Dawson on (07) 349 7477.