Christmas Appeal: Lending a hand at library

BOOKISH: Mana Newton, 8 (left), and Kotua Newton, 3, fit inside the Rotorua Library Christmas Appeal Salvation Army foodbank donation box. Looking on is Rotorua Library marketing manager Sue Heke. Photo / BEN FRASER 081113BF2

The Rotorua Library usually asks people to hand back books, but in the days leading up to Christmas they want readers to also hand in cans of food and non-perishable items as donations to supplement the Salvation Army's foodbank.

The Rotorua Daily Post this week launched its annual Christmas Appeal, with all proceeds donated by businesses and residents going to the Salvation Army.

Last year, the appeal raised more than $38,500 in donated goods and cash for the foodbank.

Rotorua Library marketing manager Sue Heke said library staff were supporters of the Salvation Army and the worthwhile work the organisation did for the community.

A large box had been placed in the entrance of the library for people to drop a can or two inside, she said.

All donations will be added to the tally of items collected for the Rotorua Daily Post leading up to Christmas.

"In the past we have emptied the box several times before Christmas and handed over the food items to the Salvation Army staff next door in Community House," she said.

"We have always given to them because they look after those in the community who need looking after."

People have already donated dozens of food items since the launch of the Rotorua Daily Post appeal this week.

Donations to the Rotorua Daily Post Christmas Appeal for the Salvation Army foodbank can be made at our Hinemoa St office between 8am and 5pm weekdays. People can donate money or non-perishable food. Food donations can also be made at the Salvation Army's Community Ministries at Community House on Haupapa St. If your school, church, business, organisation or you as an individual are organising a can-drive or fundraising event, let us know by contacting reporter Mike Watson, phone (07) 348 6199 ext 57049, or email mike.watson@dailypost.co.nz.