The St Vincent de Paul Society is desperately seeking warm bedding and clothing to help those in need around the Orana region make it through the colder months as part of its Winter Appeal.
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St Vincent de Paul Society president for the Castlereagh Region Rhonda Hayes said donations had been slow but she is encouraging everyone to look around their house and donate any warm items they aren't using.
"Our donations have been down a bit but they are down everywhere and I think that is a sign that in these uncertain times, people are holder on to items for longer," Ms Hayes said. "We need food, clothing and blankets. Linen is a big one, we would welcome any old doonas, sheets blankets and even towels, we are very short on towels at the moment.
"It doesn't matter what condition it is in either. We have people who come in looking for old bedding to keep their pets warm so even if sheets have holes in them, they can still be useful."
Vinnies are also asking for people to get involved as a volunteer staff member to help look after their stores.
"We are always looking for volunteers and that is the same everywhere.
"The average age of our volunteers is increasing and we would really like to see some younger people get involved," she said.
"You might not get paid but you get a lot of satisfaction for lending a hand and you get to meet people from right across the community."
Nationally, Vinnies have struggled to get donations for its annual Winter Appeal. The charity was only halfway towards its $1.6 million target at the end of the financial year.
Ms Hayes said the donations for the Castlereagh region haven't been tallied but she is hopeful they are close to their goal.
While the appeal generally winds down at the end of the financial year, Ms Hayes said financial donations are always welcome, as well as goods.
"I would ask people to go into their local Vinnies store, whether that is Dubbo, Wellington, Coonamble, or Gilgandra, and talk to the ladies and gentlemen about what they need.
"If you can volunteer your time, you can also talk to them about that," she said.