Christmas appeal 'feel-good factor'

The cheer crew - Michele Glogoski (left), Wikitoria Murphy and Jo Reygoud - with some of the late-arriving gifts from last year which have helped kick off this year's appeal nicely. Photo / Duncan Brown

For many families in Napier and Hastings Christmas can be more of a challenge than a time to cherish.

Which is where the annual Christmas Cheer Appeal, which kicks off today and runs through until December 19, comes into the picture.

For many families and individuals out in the community times are tough, but the Napier and Hastings councils, along with Hawke's Bay Today and a string of devoted supporters, not to mention the many volunteers who give their time to sort and pack the more than 850 gift and food parcels, are devoted to changing that.

In the wake of last year's appeal, which resulted in about $12,000 being donated along with thousands of food and gift items, many recipients wrote words of thanks to those who had helped them.

Hastings appeal coordinator Jo Reyngoud said there had been tears of joy and not despair at Christmas time for so many.

"Many said they were just blown away by what had been done for them."

In Hastings alone there were 56 families on the appeal books with seven or more people and about 280 with between three and seven people.

The appeal was also supporting Age Concern clients.

More than 3000 people would benefit from the appeal.

Social and community agencies had drawn up lists of recipients, and each and every last person was assured of some fine Christmas fare as well as a suitable gift.

Napier co-ordinator Michele Glogoski from the council's Community Development section said for all concerned in staging the appeal there was a remarkable feel-good factor to it.

The appeal has been running for more than 30 years now and started modestly when sparked by the Napier Daily Telegraph in association with a local bank.

Through the years it expanded to become a major community effort - for the benefit of the community.

The cash donations help pay for the food items while the gift side of the appeal ensures all the recipients get a reason to smile on Christmas Day.

While many folk like to gift wrap their donations the appeal team said it was preferable not to - so they could check the items but more importantly, so the mums, dads and cagegivers who receive them can then wrap them for their children themselves.

"They really feel part of it all by being able to do that."

Gifts for toddlers through to young boys and girls, teenagers, young men and women and people in their senior years will be needed.

"And family gifts like outdoor games and activities are always great as they bring everyone together," Mrs Reyngoud said.

One of the new members of the team this year is Wikitoria Murphy who usually works in the planning department.

"But Michelle asked if I'd be able to help out and I'm really happy to," she said.

"It's so nice to be involved in this - I'll even put on a Santa suit if I have to - anything to help," she said with a smile.

The appeal, while officially under way today, had already got under way earlier this week with people calling into the Napier and Hastings offices of Hawke's Bay Today.

The Duart Dinner Group, who are annual supporters, dropped of some boxes of gifts and goodies, while a mum and son called in with a couple of great boogie boards.

Another lady dropped off a bag of knitted soft toys at the Hastings office.

Five-year-old Harriet Johnson and her grandmother called into the Napier office and left a large basket filled with 14 cute and cuddly teddy bears - great stuff.

The cash appeal has already slipped into four figures with $500 from the John Close bequest and $556 from the William Colenso bequest - a great start to what is sure to be another great, and community caring, appeal.

DonationsJohn Close bequest $500

William Colenso bequest$556

Total$1056