Jill Taylor, left, with raffle winner Lesley Egglestone – part of the 2024 fundraising.
The Operation Christmas Hamper team has set a goal of providing gifts for about 600 children.
The organisation has been running in Te Awamutu for a decade and Jill Taylor has been involved for the past three years.
Ryan Fleming
“When local constable Ryan Fleming asked me if I would like to join, I was very keen,” Taylor said.
“I love Christmas and I know it is not nice for families to struggle at this time of the year.
Food hampers, including ingredients for a roast dinner and Christmas treat, are provided to 200 families
A team of about a dozen volunteers will compile hampers to be distributed by mid-December.
“When our town comes together to help it is a very humbling experience,” Taylor said.
“Even if community members, clubs and businesses can offer just one thing, it makes me very proud to live in this town with so many giving people.”
Jill Taylor – 2025
The committee comprises representatives from various service groups.
“We receive support from the police, CommSafe, churches, schools and service groups. We pull together to make it happen.”
The group will not run a 2025 street appeal.
“Because we are not having a street appeal this year the presbyterian centre is our collection point for dry goods and we will soon have an additional drop off point in Kihikihi,” Taylor said.
“People wishing to help us can either place the new gifts in fluted boxes at Te Awamutu collection points or contact us directly to make financial donations.
“We are also holding raffles, car washes and sausage sizzles to raise funds towards for this project.”
Pak ‘n Save Te Awamutu grocery manager Adele Venneman (from left), Tim Smith grocery assistant and Nick Hewlett store manager. Photo: Jesse Wood
Pak’n Save Te Awamutu is a supporter of the initiative.
“It’s a great thing to be a part of as it cuts across so many community groups from rotary; a bunch of local churches and the police who really do a great job in supporting us in store from time to time,” store manager Nick Hewlett said.
“We know the hampers go to very well deserving families who deserve a hand up at Christmas time. Jill leads a team of very willing and dedicated local supporters.
Jill Taylor, left, with raffle winner Lesley Egglestone – part of the 2024 fundraising.
