Many disadvantaged families are struggling to make ends meet and the biting Goulburn winter can make it that much tougher for them.
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Toni Reay, Anglicare's Regional Manager of Housing and Social Services, has found that there has been an increase in the number of people approaching the organisation for help in the past month, and expects this to increase in the winter months.
Ms Reay has estimated that they are assisting over 80 people through their crisis services in Goulburn each week.
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"It's quite heartbreaking to see so many families approaching us for help. We're filling up our supplies at our office with food, toiletries, basic clothing and manchester, but finding that it doesn't last more than a couple of weeks," she said.
Anglicare Goulburn is calling for donations of food and toiletries through their Pantry Appeal which helps disadvantaged people needing assistance through their emergency relief and homelessness and housing services.
She is calling on the Goulburn community to consider donating non-perishable food, toiletries and other household items that might assist people needing help.
"The people we assist come from many backgrounds. Some are leaving domestic violence situations while others are just trying to pay for things like unexpected heating bills and need help with groceries to make ends meet," Ms Reay said.
"Any donations of new items to our Pantry Appeal would be gratefully received and would make a real difference for families who are just trying to keep a roof over their heads or food in the cupboards."
Meanwhile, local businesses like Dream Admin and First National Real Estate have supported the Pantry Appeal for several years.
Marnie Wragg-Morley, Dream Admin's digital marketing manager, is passionate about supporting the Pantry Appeal.
"The Dream Team care deeply about the Goulburn community and the Anglicare Pantry appeal has become our key charity focus each winter. We look forward to helping for many years to come," Ms Wragg-Morley said.
First National's office manage, Heidi McEntee, is also pleased to support the appeal.
"All of our team members are very passionate about this cause and are more than supportive of Anglicare and this very real issue we have of local families within our community not being able to feed their families due to financial pressure," she said.
"All we are asking is that people purchase one or two extra items when doing their weekly shop and drop it into our office by June 30. We will ensure that it is dropped off to Anglicare."
Member for Goulburn, Wendy Tuckerman MP, is also putting her support behind the Pantry Appeal through the donation of non-perishable items sourced via Good360.
Donations can be dropped off at First National Real Estate, Dream Admin or directly to Anglicare's office at 130 Cowper Street in Goulburn. To arrange pickups for larger amounts of donations, please call the Anglicare office on 4823 4000.
For more information about Anglicare's services, visit www.anglicare.com.au.
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