Auckland Council is supporting the Auckland City Mission’s work to bring Christmas joy to people in need.
The mission’s annual Auckland’s Angels appeal provides festive food parcels and gifts for individuals and families who would otherwise go without.
Collection points for food and gift donations will be set up at numerous council facilities from November 14 to December 9 between 9am and 4pm.
Last year the mission gave out 36,000 gifts to children and 10,930 Christmas food parcels to struggling Auckland residents.
Deputy mayor Desley Simpson says it can be a tough time for those already on a tight budget.
The initiative will see donations go directly to the city’s most vulnerable families and communities.
“Christmas is meant to be a joyous time where we get to celebrate and relax with our friends and family.
“However, the extra costs and pressure that come with the holiday season means some might not be able to celebrate it in a way they’d like to.
“This is an opportunity for us to come together to support those in need and help ease some of their stress and worry this Christmas.
“We’re proud to be supporting this initiative and our hope is by rolling out the collection points we’re making it easier for Aucklanders to get involved with this great cause.
“If you’re in a position to support, every donation, no matter how big or small, helps to make a positive difference in our communities.”
Mission chief executive Helen Robinson says the cost of living is making things harder for many families across the city and it’s grateful for the council’s continuous support.
“The rising cost of living is causing real hardship for many in our communities and we’re expecting a record demand for parcels over Christmas.
“We can only do what we do because of the generosity of Aucklanders.
“Whether it’s providing families with what they need to be able to cook a Christmas dinner or gifts for tamariki to open on Christmas day, a little goes a long way and every donation will help those in need to make Christmas a little special this year.
“With many collection points set up across the region, it’s easy to make a difference and be someone’s angel this Christmas.”
People can donate food or gifts at collection points in council service centres, libraries, and pool and leisure centres.
They can also drop a gift off at the mission’s distribution centre at 15 Auburn Street, Grafton, from 9am-3pm, Monday to Saturday.
The final day for drop-offs at the centre is December 16.
The main food items needed are non-perishable such as tinned vegetables and soups, baked beans and tinned spaghetti, tinned fruit, tinned meat and fish, pasta sauce, pasta and rice, breakfast cereal and muesli bars, sandwich spreads, flour and sugar, fruit mince pies, biscuits and chocolate, baby food, nappies, toilet rolls, soap and shampoo, feminine hygiene products, and deodorant.
Donations of new, unwrapped gifts for children and teenagers are also appreciated, but please do not gift clothes.
