House of Hope is calling on the Kawerau community to get behind its annual Christmas foodbank drive as supplies run low and demand for support continues.

The collection will take place on Tuesday, November 17, with volunteers, runners and collectors needed to help gather donations.

Foodbank overseer Evelyn Huta, who officially took over the role last week, said the Christmas collection had been running for the past few years.

Huta said the foodbank was running low on supplies following its last major collection in May, with the organisation spending up to $700 a week purchasing groceries to prepare food parcels.

She said demand remained high, with more people struggling with the cost of living and approaching the foodbank for help.

Donations will support House of Hope's foodbank clients, many of whom are referred through Budget Services.

The foodbank also prepares parcels for clients of Hauora and Family First and receives occasional referrals from Work and Income.

Items particularly needed include spaghetti, cereal, noodles, coffee, tea, flour, sugar and rice.

The collection will begin at 4.30pm, with residents asked to listen for the fire engine’s siren as collectors make their way through the streets.

Police will also assist with collections in parts of town.

People who miss the collection can drop donations directly to House of Hope House of Hope at 16 Tamarangi Drive, with access via The Village entrance.

Anyone wanting to volunteer as a sorter, runner or collector is asked to arrive at House of Hope by 4.30pm.

For more information, contact Evelyn Huta on 021 283 3828 or [email protected].