Kids in the community own the spirit of giving

Bill Millar is overwhelmed by the donations people have brought into the Rotorua Daily Post office. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER

With Christmas creeping closer, the Salvation Army Foodbank has been growing busier, in a good way.

Rotorua Salvation Army commanding officer Major Bill Millar stopped by the Rotorua Daily Post office this week to pick up donations dropped off by the public and, to his surprise, he had to make two trips as therewas way too much for one car load.

"The coming together of schools, companies, individuals, clubs and the whole community is just wonderful," Mr Millar said.

He said, since the Rotorua Daily Post Christmas Appeal launched, he had been busy collecting all sorts.

Bev Mahe with the Westend New World butchery's generous donation. PHOTO/BEN FRASER

"It's amazing, it's a credit to all the people who have worked so hard and so long and it's coming together delightfully."

Mr Millar said one of the highlights was seeing the children in the community "really owning the idea of giving and not for their own sake".

This is Mr Millar's first Christmas Appeal in Rotorua and he said he could not be happier with how things were going.

"For this new kid on the block, it's just been one delightful experience after another."

Later in the week, Bev Mahe, who works at the butchery at Westend New World, dropped off 15 Little Kitchen toys.

"Everyone from the butchery pitched in. I saw the toys there this morning and thought why not if it brings a kid a happy face?"

Make your donations of non-perishable food at the Rotorua Daily Post office: 1143 Hinemoa St or the Salvation Army's Community Ministries, 1115 Haupapa St. You can also donatemoney at BNZ: The Salvation Army Rotorua 02-0416-0024233-00. If any organisations, schools or individuals are organising a fundraising event, please let us know by emailing news@dailypost.co.nz or contacting reporter Kyra Dawson on (07) 349 7477