Christmas goodies and groceries were stacked almost as high as the ceiling at the headquarters of Wanaka Community Services yesterday, after Upper Clutha residents responded to a foodbank appeal.
Community services manager Shirley Boyes said she was overwhelmed by the amount of food, groceries and gifts given by people to help boost foodbank supplies for Christmas.
"We've never, ever had anything like it," she said.
Wanaka Sun community newspaper owners Aaron and Nikki Heath came up with the appeal to replenish near-empty stocks at the foodbank.
More than 50 volunteers from businesses, the Upper Clutha fire brigades, St John services, and Wanaka police mobilised across the district to gather items from residents on Monday evening.
About $2000 in donations had also been raised.
Donations and groceries would go toward foodbank packages for the holiday season, while some items would go to the annual Christmas "backpackers big feed" hosted by Wanaka churches.
