This time members have organised collecting food for Invercargill nonprofit group Bellyful.
Bellyful’s volunteers cook and deliver free meals to wha¯nau with babies or young children, who need support.
The food drive was co-ordinated by former Southland Boys’ High School Student Volunteer Army ambassador Jacob Wilkinson-Hall, 18.
Jacob left school at the end of the year but is still involved with the volunteer army.
He had been talking to people about town and they suggested it ran a food drive, Jacob said.
"Everyone's in need of food around Christmas time."
People suggested it should support Bellyful as it helped a lot of families.
Kiwi Skips provided the bins to collect the food, Go Media provided advertising billboards and Kennards Hire helped with collecting the food.
There had been an amazing response from the public.
He estimated about 200 nonperishable items had been given.
"We were so impressed by the generosity of our community."
Bellyful Invercargill branch coordinator Toni Eade said the student army members’ effort was amazing.
"Their energy, collaboration with supporters and genuine care for our community is outstanding.
"We’re very grateful to have such passionate young people stepping up for our local whānau."
The group had provided 127% more meals and supported 120% more whānau compared with last year.
"One of the highlighting factors for that growth is how much pressure many families are under right now, and why community-led support like our Bellyful Invercargill service and this food drive is more important than ever."
