Students doing their bit

GREAT WORK: Cleo McDowall (left), Jordyn Papistock, Willen de Vos, Brooke Gilmore, Isabel Westwood and Cleo Roderick with the goodies they and their Napier Central School mates put together for the appeal. PHOTO/PAUL TAYLOR

As they did last year, the youngsters at Napier Central School wanted to do their bit for the Christmas Cheer Appeal again, and just like last year it was all about wearing something a little different to school ... and paying a "fine" to do it.

A mufti day was staged with the youngsters encouraged to drop a coin or two into the collection bucket and at the end of the day about $250 was raised.

As well as the cash, they also took up a collection of tinned and packet food goodies for the appeal so it was a great boost all round.

The gift pile also got a great boost through the generosity of Pania Toastmasters who are annual supporters of the Hawke's Bay Today-driven appeal.

They dropped off five bags of great gifts including soaps and lotions, bags and kitchen utensils and some sparkling new toys.

And every year the students at Iona College in Havelock North do their bit for the appeal.

Girls from the college dropped off a great selection of gift parcels.

"They will bring smiles to many faces," Hastings appeal coordinator Jo Reyngoud said.

The Napier office had a visit from a lady who dropped off four large, fluffy Christmas Teddy bears, and several other people popped in to drop off items.

The parcel-making will get under way toward the middle of next week.

About 850 food and gift parcels will be put together for more than 3000 less fortunate people throughout the Napier and Hastings communities.

The cash fund also moved along through donations made by customers at Paper Plus Taradale and a $50 anonymous donation made at the Hastings office of Hawke's Bay Today. The appeal runs until December 19.

CASH FUND

Previously acknowledged $8141

Napier Central School $250

Paper Plus

Taradale customers $70

Anonymous $50

Total $8511