Rotorua Daily Post Christmas Appeal: Rotorua Lakes Council collection

Rotorua Lakes Council has been a regular supporter of the Rotorua Daily Post Christmas Appeal and is once again doing its part to help out in what has been a tough year for many.

The appeal aims to help the Salvation Army Foodbank give more than 200 food parcels to families in need this Christmas as well as ensure the shelves are well stocked for next year.

The council has set up a Christmas tree and collection box in its foyer for both staff and members of the community to donate non-perishable food and toiletries.

Rotorua Lakes Council customer solutions manager Valeta Duncan said the council chose to support the Salvation Army because "Christmas is a time that we really need to share".

"Other than all the behind scenes things council does, this is a nice thing that everyone can join in with," she said.

"It's something everyone can join in with and provide something that will really make the community smile."

Rotorua Lakes Council customer solutions manager Valeta Duncan is encouraging the community to get behind this year's Christmas Appeal. Photo / David Beck

She said council staff had been enthusiastic about supporting the cause and had already collected a decent haul.

"We encourage our staff to provide all sorts of things like toiletries, dried foods, cans.

"We'll do a little bit of a drive around the council and see what we can donate as well as encourage the community. It's really nice [to work with the community]."

The council supported the Rotorua Daily Post Christmas Appeal every year, she said.

"There are so many reasons for people to receive this year. We've got a lot of people in the town who may need a helping hand, people who might not have expected to be in that position.

"It hasn't been a fun year so if everyone can have a bit of fun at Christmas and share something nice, that's great."

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