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Foodbank supports 85 local families over Christmas

The PSEC / Family Works foodbank drew from generous community support and distributed 85 food and Christmas gift parcels to local families during December 2020.

Alongside Carleen Te Nahu, Clinical Team Leader, Family Works Hawke’s Bay, social workers packed parcels and distributed them to their clients across the region.Social workers Leanne Isaacson L and Suzanne van der Gouw R with Carleen Te Nahu3

A typical food parcel from Family Works contains ingredients for simple meals, basic grocery items and toiletries to tide a family over for a few days. In December these parcels come with extras, thanks to the generosity of our community; they include wrapped, age-appropriate gifts for children.

“Yay, my kids will have something to open!” Carleen recalls a typical response by a parcel recipient. She says that the parcel takes a little pressure off parents who may be coping with poverty, violence or mental health issues, and are working with Family Works to turn their lives around.

Family Works would like to thank these groups and individuals for their generosity:

The anonymous donor who gave a very welcome $2,000 to Family Works to help with the Christmas parcels – $1,000 for food and $1,000 for children’s toys.
The Enliven Re-Treads Men’s Group at the Pakowhai Road Day Centre, who donated their beautifully handcrafted wooden toys.
Shoppers at PSEC Charity Shops in Napier, Taradale and Havelock North who swung in behind a campaign to donate food and grocery items at the counter. This is an ongoing campaign.

Hastings District Council staff, Napier Christmas Cheer and Hastings Christmas Cheer, who donated much-appreciated gifts for children.
St Andrew’s Church Hastings, for their ongoing support.

The Family Works team – along with their foodbank – had to move out of their former Heretaunga House premises in Hastings at the end of June due to earthquake risk. Carleen set the foodbank up in her home, where it currently takes up two rooms. Food parcels are made up there and distributed to clients in need.20201022 Carleen Te Nahu foodbank at her home2

Family Works are currently searching for new premises for their foodbank and staff offices.

The need for food parcels does not end with the holiday season, and Family Works is always grateful for donations to help them continue their vital work locally.