Operation Christmas Hampers volunteers hitting the streets for donations. From left, Sarah, sisters Ashleigh and Dakota Halse and Mandi McLeod. Photo / Caitlan Johnston
Operation Christmas Hampers volunteers hitting the streets for donations. From left, Sarah, sisters Ashleigh and Dakota Halse and Mandi McLeod. Photo / Caitlan Johnston
Local police, Zion Church, Kainga Aroha, Department of Corrections and Oranga Tamariki have joined forces to lead this year's Te Awamutu's Operation Christmas Hampers and the food drive kicked off this week.
The initiative started last year and aims to help relieve pressure for local families during the holiday season.
It was the brainchild of Zion People Church member Ashlea Bennet.
Ten-year-old volunteer Dakota Halse riding along in the police car during the food drive. Photo / Caitlan Johnston.
This year the group is aiming to make 300 hampers to go to deserving families, all who will be nominated by other members of the community.
At the forefront of the operation is Te Awamutu Community Constable Ryan Fleming and new local constables Sasha-Lee Graves and Matthew Lord.
"We notice during Christmas, being a hectic time, that for us cops things get heavier because of all the stress that comes along with the holiday season," says Matthew.
"We focus on a prevention first strategy, less stress to worry about for families means fewer things like family harm or disorders that can stem from that. And it brings the community together as a whole as well."
Operation Christmas Hampers volunteers collecting donation from a local family. Photo / Caitlan Johnston.
A number of volunteers have given up their evenings this week to get involved in the operation, including children as young as 10 years old.
Donning red T-shirts and some even with Santa and elf hats, volunteers are tasked to hit the streets alongside Police officers to collect food items as well as toys, gifts and money from local residents if they have these things to spare.
When they hear the police sirens, families and children come running out to donate.
Volunteers Ashleigh (left) and Dakota Halse out collecting donations. Photo / Caitlan Johnston.
There are three more food drives happening next week on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.
At the end of Wednesday night's drive the team will be parked up out front Mitre 10 and Countdown to collect donations.
The operation has been overwhelmed with support from a number of local and large businesses who have either donated time, money, gifts or resources.
Volunteer Wayne McLeod stashing away some donations. Photo / Caitlan Johnston.
"We've had a lot of help from businesses, and big companies are wanting to help out the community too which has been amazing," says Sasha-Lee.
To find out more information visit the Operation Christmas Hampers Facebook Page, here you can find details about where and when the food drive will be next week and the link to nominate families for a hamper.
