ECHUCA-MOAMA Community Projects is calling on donations of blankets to help keep the needy warm this winter.
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The group's Blanket Drive kicks off on Monday, June 1, and will continue throughout the month.
“Not only do we have those who constantly struggle with rising power costs, finances impacted by health issues, rising food costs due to shortages or unexpected expense such as a car breaking down, we now have a unknown number of locals that have lost their jobs due to COVID-19,” drive co-ordinator Julie Sands said.
“We want to reach out to anyone who is struggling, and hopefully this will take a little bit of financial pressure off them.”
Julie said due to the coronavirus crisis, only bedding items would be collected this year.
“We have had to limit our drive to blankets, doonas, sheets and sleeping bags, not coats as previous years,” she said.
“This is due to lack of drop-off points and space as well as uncertainty around contamination on materials.
“We are so fortunate to have Spot On Dry Cleaners come to our aide and they are going to wash all donated blankets and doonas, wrap in protective plastic and size them so we can happily pass it onto those in need.
“We cannot do this with coats but we do have some coats left over from last year set up at Echuca Neighbourhood House (ENH) for anyone needing them.”
ENH will be the drop-off point for blankets, with donations able to be left at 261 High St between 10 am and 2 pm, Monday to Thursday.
“Unfortunately we cannot hold our drive at St Mary's Parish hall this year due to social distancing issues and the enormous cost to clean the hall after each day we utilise the hall,” Julie said.
“So, we thought it ideal to partner with Echuca Neighborhood House and stage the distribution days the same time as their Foodbank days.”
Julie said the blankets would be given to anyone who needed them.
“I want every single person to know we are not there to judge, we are there to extend any help we can, no matter how small,” she said.
“This is a opportune time for us all to support each other and have people know we do recognise how difficult is for many of our neighbours, particularly during this COVID period.”
Spot On Dry Cleaners owner Paula Lanyon said becoming involved with the project was a no-brainer.
“We're in unprecedented and tough times so it's our pleasure to give something back to the community,” she said.
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