Gift of giving alive and well in Hawke's Bay

You can't beat a good book for providing the three "Es" of entertainment, education and enjoyment. And for the last seven years Napier woman Marlene Robins has been sharing her love of books with hundreds of children and young people through her generous support of the Christmas Cheer Appeal. Last week Marlene called in at Beattie and Forbes book store in Napier and did a spot of shopping ... more than $2000 worth.
Marlene did not want a lot of fuss, one of the cheer coordinators, Val Wilson, said.
"She just loves to help."
As well as fund the several boxes of new books she also went on a bit of a shopping trip to Ooma, Elaines and Gahagans Pharmacy in Napier - picking up gift items for the many parcels which will make Christmas a brighter time for the less fortunate in the community.
The gift piles have begun to expand nicely, through people like Jean Pentelow of Hastings who dropped off some lovely knitted dolls, baby clothes and blankets.
And in the Napier office of Hawke's Bay Today, under the Christmas tree, there sits a sparkling kid's first bicycle - emblazoned with Thomas the Tank Engine. It was dropped off on Tuesday. Since then a number of people have popped in to leave bags of gifts, soft toys and all sorts of goodies. One woman arrived with a dozen beautifully wrapped gifts and said she simply wanted to help people. "It gives me something to do," she said.
The Onekawa Aquatic Centre dropped off some vouchers, while Progressive Enterprises also delivered $50 of food vouchers.
Cheers too for the good staff and youngsters from Hastings Central School. They put together a contribution of food items. Crombie Lockwood staff made a great cash donation.
Donations
Previously Acknowledged $1150
Crombie Lockwood staff $250
Tiffany Variety Club $50
Mrs MacDonald $20
Todd Kupa Edwards $10
Machaela Raye Edwards $10
Tiana Eve Edwards $10
Anonymous $10
Anonymous $10
Napier counter tin $17
Total $1537