Kellie Wakelin
When Kellie Wakelin moved to Te Awamutu a little over four years ago, she did so without know any one at all.
“Literally not a single soul,” she said.
Yet, within a month of shifting, she was gifted a hamper from Operation Christmas Hampers volunteers.
“That chapter was a challenging time in my life, and receiving that hamper absolutely warmed my heart,” she said.
“I suppose because I knew how much it meant for me, I wanted to be involved
in being that blessing for others.”
So, having volunteered with Operation Christmas Hampers last year – and encouraged in part by Te Awamutu Police constable Ryan Fleming – Kellie stepped up to the role of coordinator this year.
Aiming to distribute 200 hampers in 2023, the team of about a dozen volunteers will complete their fourth community drive tonight (Thursday), in the lead up to putting the hampers together so they can be distributed by mid-December.
A not-for-profit, organisation, it is a collaboration between police, CommSafe, Kainga Aroha Community House and other Waipā organisations.
Te Awamutu community organisations provide a list of people who would benefit from help to Operation Christmas Hampers.
“We have a fantastic team of volunteers – we absolutely couldn’t do what we do without them,” Kellie said.
“On the other hand too, I’ve been absolutely blown away by how giving the Te Awamutu community has been.
“In many cases, even if they can’t contribute items for hampers, people have given us cash donations.”
Those wanting to contribute items like non-perishable food, festive treats or small gifts for the hampers can do so at several drop off points around town.
They include Te Awamutu Police Station, Kainga Aroha Community House, Ko Wai Au Trust and the Commsafe offices.
