Founded in 2015, the charity delivers gift baskets and food boxes to anyone in need in the Whakatipu, year-round — anyone can be nominated anonymously.
But Baskets of Blessing operations manager Lee Nicolson says there’s little time left to nominate families and individuals who might need a little bit of extra Christmas cheer this year.
"It has been an extraordinarily busy year for every organisation that is supporting people in our community, and certainly including us.
"On our food delivery and our gift basket side, numbers are up on previous years.
"We are conscious of the extra need to support our community again this Christmas."
Nicolson says the Baskets vollies create gift baskets tailored to suit each recipient, ranging from a family to an older person living alone — each one includes some Christmas treats, some pampering products and something for each family member.
"There’s Christmas decorations on the baskets themselves, so they are decorated like a gift," she says.
People can instead nominate people to receive food deliveries — those will be dropped off next Thursday and Thursday, December 19.
"It may be more appropriate for a truly struggling family to receive a very generous food box, that’s got Christmas gifts in it."
Nicolson says because the recipient doesn’t know who nominated them, it’s a nice way to let them know they have support in the community and show how much people care.
Tomorrow’s the last day for nominations ahead of Christmas, via basketsofblessing.co.nz.
Meantime, anyone wanting to donate items to be included in the baskets can drop them off at Ray White Arrowtown or Mora Wines & Artisan Kitchen, by 5pm Monday.
Donations will still be received by Baskets of Blessing directly thereafter.
Volunteers are looking for things such as self-care items, new toys for children of all ages, gifts for adults and non-perishable food.
The Ray White team’s particularly keen to receive donations for boys aged between 8 and 18, and men, mindfulness colouring books, chutneys, jams, relishes and spreads or flavoured salts or barbecue seasonings.
