Can you help?: City Mission's food drive soon

It is a familiar sound at this time of year, sirens heard around Whanganui streets to signal collectors are ready to pick up food donations.

The annual food drive on October 20 will be held for the 25th time, organised by Wanganui South Rotary, supporting the City Mission. Collegiate School also offers considerable help with students collecting goods.

City Mission manager Linda Taumoeanga said the food drive always helps to fill the foodbank shelves for the busy Christmas and New Year period.

Donations of canned food, toiletry and laundry items are particularly welcome as well as packaged and non-perishable foods, although City Mission administrator Justin Mulligan said fruit and vegetables will not go amiss.

"Fruit and vegetables that will keep for a while will be very welcome," he said.

Mr Mulligan said fruit like apples and vegetables like potatoes and carrots that add some nutritional value to food parcels will be a real help if people have them to spare.

Volunteers are needed to help with the drive and Mr Mulligan said anyone who can should contact the City Mission before next Friday.

"We need to make sure all helpers have the health and safety education so we need to allow time for them to have that before the drive."

Volunteers should call the City Mission on 06 3452139.