Christmas is often a tough time of year for many families financially, especially when so many people are feeling the pressure of increased prices across the board. 'Pack the Bus' is an initiative that supports Wellington City Mission to help families to access food and toys for their tamariki in order to make this Christmas a happy one for all.

We need your help with this fabulous cause. There will be a collection point in the Amesbury office foyer from Monday 14th November. It would be great if your whānau could donate items to this very worthy cause.

The donation bus travels around Wellington picking up donations of food and gifts, which are then distributed to those families in need over the Christmas period. On Monday 28th November the bus will be arriving at school to pick up all of the donations made by the ākonga and whānau of Amesbury School.

Items that will be gratefully received as donations include:

Essential Items:

Spreads and Muesli bars

Weetbix, Oats & Muesli

Sugar and Milk Powder

Pasta Sauce

Tinned Soup/fish/meat

Biscuits and Crackers

Body Wash and Deodorant

Baby Food, Wipes and Nappies

Laundry Powder and Dishwashing Liquid

Christmas Items:

Small Christmas Cakes

Fancy biscuits/crackers

Fancy relishes/sauces

Salts/roasted nuts

Chippies

Toiletries for the whole family

Retail vouchers

Toys: (new toys only please - and unwrapped)

Construction Toys - Lego/Meccano

Art equipment

Educational toys and books

Puzzles

Baby toys for 0-2yr olds

Diaries/Calendars

Board games

Thank you in advance for supporting this, and for helping our Wellington whānau in need this Christmas.

Warm regards,

The Amesbury team