Their container runneth over: The Petaias and their donated gifts. Picture: Simon Bennett
APULU and Lessie Petaia were delighted when a huge gift arrived at their doorstep on Friday.
It was an empty six-metre shipping container, but they had plenty to fill it with in the form of donated goods for their native Samoa.
The couple, who have lived in Fairfield East for more than 30 years, have been overwhelmed by the community's generosity.
Cyclone Evan hit Samoa in December. Mrs Petaia said her last visit was awful.
"It's very hard to talk about it. I've never seen anything like it before.
"Every road was a mud field, there were no trees, homes were washed away and everything was ruined."
Mrs Petaia returned to Australia in January, having promised family and friends she would seek help.
"I couldn't believe all the kind hearts in our community," she said.
"I'm just amazed and I want to thank everyone who helped out."
Cabra-Vale Diggers Club donated more than $5000 to fund the shipping container, lounges and chairs.
The Petaias were also inundated with basic housing needs.
They filled the container on Saturday.
"But the container was too small," Mr Petaia said. "We still have so many more donations left, so hopefully we can send another shipping container soon."
The container will be sent this week and Mrs Petaia hopes it will arrive in Samoa within a month.