Clean winter warmers such as coats, blankets, beanies and scarves have been donated by community members and are available for those who need them at the St Mary’s Parish Hall.
Julie Langdon has been running the project for nine years through St Mary’s Parish in Echuca and says that donations had remained steady.
“We understand that fuel has gone up, groceries have gone up, and it’s really tough out there for people,’ Julie said.
“We encourage anyone who is doing it tough to come down.
“If we can help alleviate some of that financial burden, even providing an extra layer of warmth so they don’t have to turn the heater on for so long at home, come and grab another blanket, grab an extra coat.”
The project is open to anyone in need, not just for those on any support or welfare payments.
“It’s not targeted to anyone on welfare because there are plenty of families who are doing it tough, but they’re two working parents,” Julie said.
“Anyone out there who has a genuine need for some winter warmth can come down and benefit from the generosity of the community.”
The program is run from the Parish Hall alongside the Soup for the Soul program from the church, which provides home-made soups and rolls donated by Moama Bakery to those who need it, and a tea and coffee station.
“If you just know someone who would benefit from the project, please pass on the details,” Julie said.
“If you need something come and get it. Sometimes I put a recycling spin on it: if you have a jacket that you’re sick to death of wearing, come and swap it. Donate your jacket and pick up a different one so you have something different to wear.”
The Coat and Blanket Drive is open at St Mary’s Parish every Thursday throughout June from 10am to 2pm, with the Soup for Soul program starting at noon.
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