Warmth without judgment

By Lua Ikenasio

Jun 17, 2025

Jane Smith and Val Miller are long-time volunteers at the annual coat and blanket drive. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

The Echuca Moama Community Coat and Blanket Drive run by the Echuca Moama Community Projects group is now in its 12th year.

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The drive offers free coats and blankets, among other winter items, to those in need or struggling financially.

While the drive is fuelled by the community’s generous donations, there are also a handful of dedicated volunteers who ensure people are getting what they need in a comfortable space.

Long-time volunteer Jane Smith said she had seen both familiar faces and new ones this year.

“I’ve (volunteered) here for the last six years,” she said.

“You get your regulars each time, we know our regulars, but it’s good when you see new people, too.

“The first week was busy, which was good, and we even got some street people (that) week, and they were able to have a feed ... they’re not fussy, as long as they’re warm.”

While the project was originally created to help people in tough living situations, it has grown to include a wider demographic of people.

The year following the 2022 floods in Rochester, Mrs Smith said that many residents had turned up to the coat and blanket drive in 2023.

The drive is also open to people who are struggling with the current cost of living and are looking to save money on their bills or have spare funds to put elsewhere.

Another regular volunteer at the drive, Val Miller, said the community’s ongoing support of a much-needed initiative was great to see.

“There’s definitely a need for it ... and no-one is judging, we just hope that we get these (items) to them,” she said.

“The amazing thing is, when you look around ... isn’t it amazing that we can recycle these things, and it’s not going to landfill — it’s getting another life.

“If it’s rubbish we don’t put it out, but this is only the tip of the iceberg, we’ve got more out the back.”

While the drive calls for any unwanted coats and blankets, other items such as scarves, beanies and bedsheets are also welcome.

The drive is open to guests every Thursday during the month of June from 10am to 2pm at the St Mary’s Parish Hall.

The final day of the drive will be Thursday, June 26.

A soup kitchen will also be running in the hall, to offer warm meals and a cuppa for guests, with the option to take meals home.

If you would like to donate a coat or blanket, they can be dropped at St Mary’s Parish Hall, the Riverine Herald, Echuca Neighbourhood House, Echuca East Primary School and Twin Rivers Primary School during June.