It’s time to reach into the back of your pantry and gather some food tins and packages – and wait for the siren to wail!

A string of Emergency Services Food Drives will be happening around the region in coming weeks – to collect food for foodbanks, which in turn will be gifted to those in need this festive season.

Pāpāmoa’s Emergency Services Food Drive is next Tuesday, November 26, starting at 5.30pm.

Pāpāmoa Neighbourhood Support co-ordinator Bruce Banks said teams of NS volunteers and members of local emergency services will work in teams to snake through all Pāpāmoa streets collecting food and other donations which will be distributed by Pāpāmoa Food Hub to residents who need a bit of support.

200-plus volunteers

“We have 200-plus volunteers in 18 teams again this year and hope to improve on the 65 trailer loads of donations collected last year.”

Last year’s donations filled the Pāpāmoa Food Hub pantry, but Banks said by now those stocks are severely depleted “so the food drive is well timed to get those shelves filled back up”.

“You will hear the sirens – so do come out and say ‘hello’ or leave donations at the letterbox or front gate so they are clearly visible.”

Banks said the food drive would accept most things – including all non-perishable items such as canned food, cereals, spreads, tea, coffee, muesli bars, pasta, rice, biscuits, crackers and baking ingredients.

“We also collect non-food items such as dental care, personal hygiene, soaps, shampoo, nursery, sanitary, laundry, cleaning and pet food, which are also needed. Cash donations are also welcomed.”

Banks said the event’s target this year is 66-plus trailer loads of donations.

“Here’s hoping that target is reached, and we set a new record!”

In Te Puke

Te Puke’s annual emergency services street appeal was held earlier this month – but anyone who missed the collectors on November 14 can drop items into The Hub on Jocelyn St, Te Puke which is open until 3pm, except on Thursdays.