Dunedin's emergency services will hit the streets again tonight calling for donations of food for those in need.
The annual Dunedin Community Can and Christmas Treats Drive runs from 6pm to 9pm.
The police, Fire Service, Red Cross, civil defence and St John will be on the city's streets, including outlying areas such as Waitati and Portobello, sounding their sirens to let people know the appeal has reached their street.
Food could either be left out close to letterboxes, or could be given directly to collectors.
Donations can also be placed in marked collection baskets at The Warehouse stores in central Dunedin and Hillside Rd.
All donated items will be divided among the city's four main foodbanks - the Salvation Army, Presbyterian Support, Anglican Family Care and St Vincent de Paul.
Appeal co-ordinator Jane Orbell said it had been a difficult year for many in the South Island.
"After a very demanding year, the foodbanks, and the people they assist, are very dependent on the generosity of Dunedin people to ensure everyone can experience a little extra at Christmas," Ms Orbell said.
• A separate appeal for the Mosgiel area, including Fairfield, Outram, Momona and North Taieri, will run from 6pm to 9pm on Monday.
Donations could also be dropped at the Mosgiel Foodbank in Wickliffe St.
