Christmas Appeal 2017: More than $11,500 raised so far for foodbank

Papamoa College donated 944 food items and a $106 cheque to the Tauranga Community Foodbank. Photo/Andrew Warner.

More than $11,500 has been raised for the Tauranga Community Foodbank in just 11 days.

A flurry of cash and food donations over the weekend and in the past couple of days has seen the Bay of Plenty Times Christmas Appeal total increase from $3540 (as of Friday morning) to $11,837 yesterday.

Foodbank manager Nicki Goodwin said the appeal was gaining momentum and was certainly creating a buzz.

"Lots of people are already dropping off donations of food; there are lots of phone calls arranging cash donations and people finding out what we need most."

So far, since the appeal launched on November 11, there have been 2642 food items donated (valued at $2 each) and $6553 in cash.

One of the big contributions last week came from Papamoa College, which donated 944 items and handed over a $106 cheque.

Goodwin said the college was always a great supporter of the foodbank and this year's donation was no exception.

"What a great way to kick off our appeal with nearly 1000 food items from Papamoa College alone."

Papamoa College teacher Kylie Price said the school had mufti days throughout the year which generally raised more than $1000 each time and they tried to support local organisations with that money.

The Tauranga Community Foodbank was one of the organisations donated to.

"We always support the foodbank at this time of year, we discuss with the students why it is important to give to others at this time of the year," Price said.

She said Year 10 students had helped with the foodbank appeal.

"Not only did the students do a fab job of donating items, but staff members also filled a huge container of items. We ended up filling four large wheelie bins and two large containers."

There are still more than four weeks left to donate to the appeal and plenty of work still to be done.

Last year about $130,500 was raised. There were 29,616 items donated and $71,253 cash was given.

Even though that was the most successful appeal yet, it only got the foodbank through to March this year, before it almost ran out of food due to increased demand for help.

The foodbank helped feed 16,429 people and issued 5459 food parcels in the 12 months ended October 2017 - 15 per cent more than the same period last year.

The Tauranga Community Foodbank Christmas wish list
*Canned tuna/salmon
*Canned vegetables
*Baking supplies - baking powder, icing sugar, cocoa, etc.
*Sauces and dressings
*Pasta or rice
*Jellies and puddings
*Cake mixes
*Personal care items - women's sanitary items, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, razors.
*Baby nappies - larger sizes
*Christmas treats like Christmas puddings, fruit mince pies, and sweet treats are also always welcome