by NZ CATHOLIC staff
Community generosity was evident at a special “boxing day” at Catholic Social Services in Ponsonby shortly before Christmas week, when staff and volunteers made up boxes of food staples and Christmas goodies donated by local families for those in need.
From left, at rear, Jeff Olsen and Sue Smith, volunteers, and front, Susana Quilodran- Valdebenito, counsellor, Judy Olsen, receptionist, Rose Lythe, social worker and John Metherell, director.
About 15 families received the Christmas-wrap decorated boxes, goods for which were donated by
neighbours of the Lincoln St-based organisation, and parishioners from the neighbouring Sacred Heart Catholic parish.
“This is an opportunity to provide support and assistance to families in difficult circumstances,” said Catholic Social Services director John Metherell, “particularly children, so that the time
is special for them”.
“We are deeply appreciative of these donations from the parish and the community,” he said.
Mr Metherell said Catholic Social Services also delivered 15 hampers provided by an anonymous Auckland
family which, for the second year running, gave the hampers, each of which included a Christmas ham.
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