One way Paeroa people embrace manaakitanga or care for others is through the Paeroa Baptist Church’s annual Community Christmas Toy Appeal.
People of Paeroa are invited to “make Christmas special” for families and children, who might otherwise miss out, by donating and placing a gift under the tree at one of three drop-off spots in town: The Hauraki Bike Hire/Paeroa Information Hub, the Paeroa Library or Paeroa Pigeon Post.
All gifts need to be placed underneath the trees by December 9, before Santa’s helpers collect them and begin sorting and wrapping at the Paeroa Baptist Church on December 12.
People were also welcome to donate wrapping paper as well, organiser Carol Millar told The Profile, because “we do go through a lot of it to wrap all the presents”.
Carol said the appeal was “a way to come together” and support people, and let them know they’re cared for. “We’re glad they’re part of our community.”
Around 260 presents were gifted to children in the past few appeals, Carol said.
“Each year we seem to need just a few extra gifts, so I would be expecting somewhere around the 270 mark.”
Carol said local organisations nominate people who might benefit from receiving a gift.
Once the presents were wrapped, they would go into piles to be distributed to the organisations who will then deliver the gifts to families.
“If there is a social agency organisation that we haven’t contacted, they’re most welcome to contact us to be a part of it,” she said.
For those interested in helping wrap presents on December 12, 9am was the start time, Carol said.
While everything would be provided, Carol said it helped to take a pair of scissors. “Scissors seems to be the one thing that we often try to share between people.”
Some people may only be able to make it for an hour, and then head off, she said, while others might be able to stay until the job is done.
“Both are wonderful,” and a huge help, she said.
DETAILS: Donated gifts need to be new or in excellent condition. Gift drop-off is at the Hauraki Bike Hire/Paeroa Information Hub at 6 Wharf St, the Paeroa Library at 5 Mackay St, or Paeroa Pigeon Post at 52 Belmont Rd. Place unwrapped gifts under the Christmas tree by December 9. To make any enquiries, contact Carol Millar, Ph 0274 606 692 or email paeroabapchurch@gmail.com. To help wrap gifts on December 12, visit the Paeroa Baptist Church, 2 Wood St, from 9am.
