Gifts and food started flooding in to the organisation's One Stop Shop last week, as soon as the drive was advertised, Community Networks general manager Tina Haslett said on Monday.
Another 12 truckloads of items were donated during the drive, completely filling the Wanaka Fire Station storage room.
Gifts and food were also received from church groups, the Wanaka Travel Club, Infinity Group and local businesses.
Recipients had been nominated by support agencies, neighbours or friends, she said.
"People who receive it will often, the next year, when they are back up on their feet, end up helping the foodbank. It can transform people's lives."
There was extra cheer for the organisation this week, when the Central Lakes Trust announced a $40,000 grant to continue the work of the organisation's One Stop Shop in Dunmore St.
It cost about $190,000 annually to operate Community Networks and it would be nice to have that saved in advance, Ms Haslett said.
Government retrenchment this year resulted in a range of social services ceasing operations from rented offices at the One Stop Shop.
That had increased Community Networks' overheads, including its share of rent, and created extra work for its staff.
The organisation has helped several thousand Upper Clutha people this year.
Ms Haslett said inquiries for foodbank support had doubled throughout the year.
