The Tauranga community is being given a 'huge pat on the back” from the emergency services after donating $11,000 worth of food.

Representatives from police, fire, St John, Maori wardens, community patrols and other organisations took to the streets last week to collect food for the Salvation Army Food Bank.

Western Bay of Plenty area commander Inspector Clifford Paxton is pleased with the support from the community.

The Salvation Army has now tallied the donation made to last week's drive and along with the $11,000 worth of food, a number of gifts were also donated as well as $800 cash.

It was an amazing show of goodwill and the Salvation Army are now cheerfully packing Christmas Hampers to assist families in need, says Western Bay of Plenty area commander Inspector Clifford Paxton.

'The generosity from the community was great,” he says.

'I would like to thank the community for their help and it's great to be able to help the Salvation Army especially given the demand they experience at this time of the year.

'It's great to be able to do our bit and support those in need.”