Kawerau police are again taking the opportunity to share some Christmas joy with locals who could benefit from a hand up during the festive season.

Christmas hampers are being distributed to five nominated individuals and families who have interacted with Kawerau’s frontline policing staff this year.

Each recipient will be given two hampers – one of food products and another of household products – in efforts to boost their spirits after what may have been a difficult year.

Long-serving Kawerau youth aid officer Senior Constable George Westerman came up with the idea three years ago. He approached Kawerau Rotary Club for financial support, and Kawerau New World jumped on board too.

Senior Sergeant Al Fenwick said the police team recognised the holiday period brought extra stress and financial pressure to many, and the hampers were intended to give the worthy recipients a helping hand.

“For our staff it’s a great way to give back to the local community and have some really positive interactions with the people we serve.”

He said people often interacted with police in times of crisis, whether they’re the victim of a crime or have received some bad news.

“This is a great opportunity for the community to see us in a much more positive light.”

Mr Fenwick said Kawerau is a really good community and it’s nice for police to be part of a happy experience.

The gift hampers will be hand delivered by frontline staff over the course of the next couple of weeks.

Recipients get no prior notice that they have even been nominated for a Christmas hamper, so it is a complete (and welcome) surprise for them.

“Without being too cheesy, it really does warm your heart.”

Police, Kawerau Rotary Club and Kawerau New World are all keen to see the Christmas hamper distribution continue for years to come.