Tauranga’s annual Christmas fundraising event is bringing a little extra community cheer this year.

The Community Projects Charitable Trust and MediaWorks have been collecting and distributing gifts and food for families in need as part of the Stuff the Bus initiative for the past 13 years.

This year, they’re growing that tradition with Tauranga’s Christmas Convoy powered by Farmer Autovillage.

The Christmas Convoy is a city-wide campaign gathering donations across Tauranga before Christmas in the Park at Mount Maunganui’s Soper Reserve on Saturday, December 6.

Until that date, businesses or schools can come on board as a Christmas drop-off point where staff or customers can leave gifts or non-perishable food.

The items will be collected by the Christmas Convoy team to be donated to families who need it most this year.

Community Projects Charitable Trust representative Rachelle Duffy said dozens of local organisations have come on board already.

“We’re so grateful for the incredible support people have given in the past, and we’re looking forward to continuing that legacy with everyone again this year.”

Duffy said Christmas can be a difficult time for many families and encouraged those who can to get involved.

“We have had so many families reaching out to us who are doing it tough this year. If you want to be part of this kaupapa, this is your way of giving back.”

Now in its 14th year, Tauranga’s Christmas in the Park will include entertainment from the Tuatara Collective, Tauranga Big Band, Frente Sudaka, A Night Of, and father-and-son duo Indecisive.

There will also be Santa’s Grotto, stilt walkers, a photo booth, weaving workshop, outdoor activities, face painting and more than 150 craft vendors.

Entry is by a gold coin, or a donation of a non-perishable food item or a wrapped gift. The event is working with local community centres to ensure all donations go towards families in need this Christmas. Learn more at: communityprojects.co.nz