Families gobble up food hampers

Michelle Heihei receives her food hamper pack from Petrina Sullivan, a volunteer at the Salvation Army in Whangarei, while Morehu Reid-McLean, the daughter of a Salvation Army volunteer, plays. Photo / Michael Cunningham

Financial difficulties have driven more needy families to the Whangarei Salvation Army for Christmas food hampers this year than in 2014, with 200 given away this week.

That was an increase from last year when 150 hampers were given out.

A further 150 who could not grab a food pack will attend a Christmas Day lunch at the Salvation Army's Aubrey St office tomorrow.

Whangarei mother and beneficiary Michelle Heihei received a Christmas hamper this year.

"Some of us can't work, some have a lot of kids, and also there are a lot of people out there struggling but very shy to come and ask for help."

Whangarei Salvation Army Corps officer Peter Koia said Tuesday was their busiest day when the bulk of the food hampers were distributed, while the rest were given out yesterday.

He said the food packs were mostly made up of donated goods.

"Without the community helping us, we couldn't help others. They give generously and we're grateful for that. The community is at the heart of everything and everyone benefits from their donations," he said.

Meanwhile, the Elim Christian Centre in Whangarei gave out 25 food hampers worth $150 each to needy families last week as part of the Christmas in a Box initiative.

Ham and fresh berries were among the items in the boxes.

"We've found out through conversation in our church and in the community that there are people who genuinely need help in these tough times and we have the ability to bless them through the box of items," lead pastor Mike de Vetter said.

The church this week donated a box of groceries to a South African family who had moved to Whangarei recently.

Christmas was a wonderful time for families but it could also be a difficult time, Mr de Vetter said.

"Be sensitive around someone who's lonely and extend our world to include him. Most weeks we get in touch with someone who is in genuine need."

The church has about 600 members.