Hundreds of volunteers gathered across Wairarapa on Wednesday night for the annual Foodbank Drive.
Fire and Emergency staff, police, and Wellington Free Ambulance officers guided the collection cars around the region’s streets, periodically turning on their lights and sirens.
Many residents happily donated to the cause, with a few commenting about how much their local food bank had helped them.
“It’s only right that I give back now that I’m in a position where I can,” one woman said.
Masterton South Rotary community service director Ben Moorcock said the turnout was spectacular, with over 500 boxes packed up in Masterton.
“It’s the people that have probably used the service in the past or understand what it is, that really give back the most,” Moorcock said.
Some volunteers from the community got the whole family involved, with children running up and down the streets collecting cans, pantry staples, and other necessities donated by the public.
Anyone who missed the collection but still wishes to contribute can drop their donations into their local library or food bank at any time.
All donations from particular areas will go to the nearest food bank.