Students push drivefor food donations

Greenpark School students persuaded their parents to get behind the 2014 Bay of Plenty Times Christmas Appeal.

The school has been a regular supporter of the campaign and again collected boxes of food to donate to the Tauranga Community Foodbank.

The school's student leaders, known as Outstanding Citizens, Kate Smith, Andrew Wharehinga, Nicole Sarmiento and Lucas Wharehinga headed the drive for donations.

Andrew was all for doing their bit.

"I think it's nice. You've got to help people in life," he said.

Principal Graeme Lind said the school was only too happy to lead the way and support the cause.

"It's just part of our community assistance. Christmas is a very hard time for some families and we understand that, so if we can make it a little bit easier for them then we're pleased to do so."

On Friday, the Port of Tauranga also got onboard and donated $6000 to the appeal.

So far the appeal has raised $36,539.95 in cash and 13,934 in items, valued at $2 each, coming to a total of $64,407.95.

Last year more than $86,000 was raised for the foodbank.