It is a big job but an enjoyable one, and a fulfilling one for those who give their time.
Food goodies and gifts, and cash donations, continue to roll in as the appeal approaches its December 20 deadline, so the crews will be busy.
The crucial cash fund has received some great donations over the past few days, with the children of Havelock North Primary School shining with a wonderful $583 collected from their mufti day before break-up last week.
The school is an annual supporter of the appeal and its students' devotion to it is a real festive treat.
The members of the Maraenui Women's Golf Club are also always keen to do their bit for the community, and they stepped up with a great donation of $411 they put together for the appeal.
Also annually ready to step in is the Napier Cosmopolitan Club Centennial Charitable Trust, which dropped by with a cheque for $200.
The cycling chaps from Recycled Rebels in Napier also pedalled into fundraising action and came up with $180, while David Sewell popped by with a $100 donation.
On the goodies front the Art Deco Trust volunteers decided to have a "donate a gift" day and they came up with several boxes of terrific gifts for all ages.
Angus McMillan Concrete also dropped off a bag of gifts.
Ray White Real Estate had a gift-gathering outing and came up with a nice package of goodies.
So did Dorrie Goff , a devoted knitter who for many years has supported the Christmas Cheer Appeal through her remarkable knitting skills.
She donated lots of beautifully made jerseys and tops for boys and girls — about 20 of them.
Through the years Dorrie has created hundreds of lovingly made items for the appeal.
It's all part of doing something for the community, which is what sparked the teams of volunteers who are on parcel-packing duty for the next couple of days.
"We've got a couple of newcomers on the crew this year but many have done this for several years," Hastings cheer co-ordinator Jo Reyngoud said.
There are about 30 on the team from all parts of the community.
"And that's what it is all about — the community doing something for the community," Jo said.
Yesterday staff from Pak 'N Save arrived with pallets of foodstuffs and helped unload and sort them.
And in Napier too there will be some great parcels going out this year — thanks to the community.
Previously acknowledged.................................................$7418
Havelock North Primary School.........................................$583
Maraenui Women's Golf Club............................................$411
Napier Cosmopolitan Club Centennial Charitable Trust....$200
Recycled Rebels Napier....................................................$180
David Sewell.....................................................................$100
Anonymous...........................................................................$20
Total.................................................................................$8912
