A local Sunshine-based not-for-profit organisation is calling on residents and community members to continue supporting its services with donations dropping following the conclusion of the festive season.
Hundreds of locals rely on the Helping Hands Op Shop’s community pantry for a low-cost meal, and as the cost of living crisis continues to bite, demand for these services is on the rise.
Communications manager Maddy Kirby said that given the need for support was high, the community’s assistance would make a substantial difference.
“Christmas is always a challenging time for families in need, and a very busy time for us a charity, but as the cost of living crisis continues we have seen this demand extend well into the new year and isn’t showing signs of slowing down,” she said.
“We’re really lucky that the community keeps us in mind over the festive season.
“However, continuing donations to the community pantry would be greatly appreciated, to help us support families through what will be another challenging year for many of them.”
Helping Hands assists a significant number of people with new client registrations and requests for material aid coming in daily according to Ms Kirby.
“Through our community pantries we see around 150 people a day — and most of those people are coming on behalf of their families, so there are hundreds of people receiving food from Helping Hands every day,” she said.
“It’s [for] people looking for a nourishing low-cost meal for themselves and their kids, or a place to connect with others and combat social isolation.”
Ms Kirby said residents can donate non-perishable items like pasta, rice, tinned fruit and vegetables, meal bases and pasta sauces.
“We also would love to connect with food producers and manufacturers who are looking to donate,” she said.
“Besides that, we encourage any business, community group or individual with something to donate to reach out to us.
“Financial donations are of course always welcomed and help us continue our work every day.”
Details: www.helpinghandsmission.org.au/about-us
