More than 2000 volunteers in 12 locations across New Zealand are expected to pack a record 32,000 Christmas Boxes for Kiwi families in need this weekend – including right here in Tauranga.

LIFE Community head of community response Rebecca So’e says they have raised $900,000 through sponsors and partnerships, and are now appealing to the general public for the remaining $300,000 to reach a need “greater than ever before”.

“We’ve seen hardship stats get worse across the country and one in five kids are living in food scarcity.

“We know a lot of families are dreading an empty table and feelings of failure as a parent this Christmas,” says Rebecca.

“Donating a Christmas Box not only means a family has a meal to look forward to, it removes a lot of stress and worry and tells that family that someone sees them and cares about them.

"We see so many families break into tears when they receive a Christmas box and see someone cares about them.”

But Rebecca says LIFE Community “can’t do it alone”.

“To reach all the families we can this Christmas, we’re asking Kiwis to band together with us and donate $40 to provide a Christmas Box to a family in need.

"None of us can meet this need on our own, but together we can bring help and hope to families in need this Christmas.”

Each Christmas Box caters to a family  of four to six and contains about 20 food items including staple items and treats.

Organisations partnering to make Christmas Box happen include community groups, churches, government agencies, the NZ Police domestic violence unit, and logistics and freight companies.

To donate provide a Christmas Box for a family in need, donate at: https://christmasbox.co.nz/