Even an extra blanket, some food, or warm clothes can make those long cold nights a bit more bearable for those in need. 

With demand for emergency food relief leaving some Anglicare services virtually empty a couple of months ago, Goulburn businesses and community members have taken on the challenge of providing emergency food to meet growing local need. 

Staff members from Goulburn First National Real Estate have already dropped off food donations totalling around 300 items to Anglicare and they have opened up their office as a drop off location for further donations.

Anglicare’s regional manager of housing and community services NSW South Toni Reay welcomed the much-needed support. 

“This is a generous city and people dig deep to help us and other services out here,” Ms Reay said.

“The amount of donations we get is astonishing, considering the amount of service providers in the city.

“People visit our Housing and Homelessness Service here in Goulburn every day.

“Every day our team gives out emergency food to relief to individual and families who are in desperate need.

“This is why we are so overwhelmed by the community’s generosity in donating to the Pantry Appeal. It’s so appreciated and needed.”

The appeal is calling for donations of non-perishable food items such as cereal, rice, tinned tomatoes, canned tuna and school snacks, essential living items such as toothpaste, toilet paper and baby items such as nappies and formula. 

Collection points in Goulburn include the Anglicare offices at 130 Cowper St, and at Goulburn First National Real Estate, 148 Auburn St, Goulburn. For more information call 02-6278 8416.