Opinion: Christmas time to think of others

Fill the Bus Christmas can drive 2015. PHOTO/FILE

It's that time of year again - the Christmas decorations are starting to sneak into the shops and the festive season will soon be upon us.

But here at the Rotorua Daily Post Christmas has become synonymous with more than just presents.

It's become a time where, year upon year, we are blown away by the generosity and spirit of our readers in helping those in our community that need a hand.

Today, the Rotorua Daily Post launches its annual Christmas Appeal in conjunction with the Rotorua Weekender and The Hits 97.5FM.

This is the sixth year in a row the Salvation Army Foodbank will be the sole beneficiary of our Christmas Appeal. Now, as much as ever, it needs our help.

The bare shelves of the foodbank do not magically restock themselves.

There is no government funding, instead it relies completely on the generosity of local businesses and individuals.

This year so far it's given out 1147 food parcels and helped more than 764 people. The stark reality is, if not for the foodbank, hundreds of Rotorua children would have gone hungry.

Christmas means it's time to rummage through your cupboards, pop an extra tin in your weekly grocery shop and round up your work mates, school or community group to get involved. The beauty of this appeal is every little bit really does help.

In the next six weeks we will be highlighting the work of the Salvation Army and the people they help, as well as celebrating readers doing their bit - so please let us know what you have planned.

Over the last five Christmas Appeals our Rotorua community has donated about $250,000 worth of food.

It's appreciated, it's needed and it makes a real difference to families in our community.

Let's make this year the biggest and best Christmas Appeal yet.