A Tsunami of Kindness, Part 1

Tescos North Harbour: After checking in with security and adding our car details into the computer (so that we didn't get a fine!), we found the Donation table already set-up and ready to go. Alongside the table were 2 trolleys with some donations already added from prior stock. It wasn't quite 9am, but Val and I decided to get stuck in straight away and start greeting customers handing out leaflets which gave advice on the type of donations needed. Non-perishable items, tinned goods, UHT milk, pasta, lots of pasta ..... . We had some lovely people join us from local churches and we took it in turns to greet customers or accept donations. Before long we had to go and get a 3rd trolley to make room for all the donations being made. We realised that people were really thinking about what would be needed to create a full meal, picking healthier options, and much to our delight, giving lots of sweet and christmassy treats for the time of year. We were also getting alot of toiletries donated such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes. The kindness and thoughtfulness from old and young alike literally brought tears to our eyes regularly - their generosity so humbling. The time flew by and we took a quick coffee break to get ready for the next session !