An early tally shows that CBC's Feed Nova Scotia Day raised more than $82,000 and more than 7,000 kilograms of food on Friday as part of the annual holiday fundraiser in support of the province's food banks.

The day kicked off with hot coffee, the tinkling of Bill Stevenson's piano keys and a side of Santa as Information Morning broadcast live from Studio 60 in Halifax. And Jimmy Rankin dropped by to perform a few tunes.

The day wrapped up with the harmonized voices of teen choirs Soundtrax and Jazz Voices, both part of Halifax's All-City Music Program, as they joined Mainstreet for its live broadcast in the afternoon.

Jimmy Rankin - Feed NS Day

Jimmy Rankin was one of the musical guests at CBC's Feed Nova Scotia Day on Friday. (Robert Short/CBC)

Also on hand were local musicians Kim Harris and Stewart Legere, as well as eight storytellers who shared tales of interesting things that happen when people get together.

Feed Nova Scotia supports 146 member agencies across the province, distributing around two million kilograms of food and other supports each year.

About 23,000 people in Nova Scotia use a food bank each month.

Christmas is a particularly busy time of year, and Feed Nova Scotia expects to provide hampers to 7,000 households this season.

"We've got hundreds of volunteers down at our warehouse putting together Christmas hampers," said executive director Nick Jennery. 

"It's a high-energy time — a lot of tired faces — but we're very motivated by what happens [at this time of year]."

Feed NS Day - Volunteers

Volunteers were located throughout Halifax on Friday, collecting donations for Feed Nova Scotia Day. (Robert Short/CBC)

As part of Feed Nova Scotia Day, volunteers were collecting food and money at various locations throughout Halifax. You can continue to donate online or at any RBC branch across the province until Jan. 6.

It doesn't take much to provide a meal to those in need, said Jennery. A monetary donation of $2 provides three meals to Nova Scotians across the province when paired with food donations and the charity's many volunteers.

CBC Nova Scotia started our annual holiday fundraiser in 1985 and has raised more than $2 million to date. Thanks to the generous support of our community, last year alone we raised $102,137 and more than 7,200 kilograms of food.  

CBC was live blogging some of the festivities of Feed Nova Scotia Day. On mobile? Recap it here.