The North East Valley Project’s winter warmer event took place on a bitterly cold Saturday at North East Valley Normal School.
The annual event has run for nearly 20 years.
Project manager Jen Rodgers said this year’s theme was about combating isolation during the winter months.
"There’s a need in the community for something like this.
"We were finding that a lot of people weren’t coming to school because of issues with their cold houses and they were having health issues as a result of it."
Ms Rodgers said this year, the group collected enough warm clothes for more than 100 people.
"They’ve been coming in boxes over the past two weeks. This year we’ve been impressed with the number of good-quality men’s coats that have been donated.
"It’s really going towards those in need."
Organisations such as Presbyterian Support were also represented at the event, while there was enough food for 150 people, food having been sourced from Kiwi Harvest and Gardens New World.
"We’ve had great support. It’s been really special seeing people come to the school, have a hot meal and just share some time with others.
"Everyone seems to leave the event really happy."
Shannon van Rooijen and Tia Taita were among the visitors who took advantage of the free food and winter clothing.
"It’s been excellent — I now have enough clothes for the winter," Ms van Rooijen said.
"I think I’ve lived in the valley for four years now, and this is the first time I’ve actually come down.
"I’ll definitely come back next year."
Ms Rodgers said there were plans to host another community dinner later in the winter.
"It’s all about making those connections with people. Things get a lot easier after that."
