While tea, pasta and sauces may seem like basic ingredients for those struggling at Christmas a top up in the cupboard can mean a lot, says the general manager of a Whangarei trust.
About 70 volunteers from community organisations, church groups and marae spent their Saturday morning in Otangarei's City Rugby Football Clubrooms packing 500 boxes with dried foods, such as pasta; tea bags; and sauces, to go to Whangarei families in need this Christmas.
Te Hau Awhiowhio o Otangarei Trust and the Maori Evangelical Fellowship Church partnered with the Christmas Box Project to ensure struggling families have food during the festive season.
"It's basic food but it can mean a lot. If you're on a tight budget and family drops in unexpected, you're not going to say 'sorry, you can't have a cup of tea'. This gives them that little bit more, it's a top up in the cupboard," said Janine Kaipo,
Te Hau Awhiowhio o Otangarei Trust general manager.
It is the second year the trust has partnered with the Christmas Box project. Ms Kaipo said the trust raised about $5000 throughout the year in order to receive the boxes and cover travel and transport.