Eurobodalla Shire businesses, schools, and organisation have team up with Anglicare over the holiday period to support individuals and families who need a helping hand.
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Anglicare's Emergency Relief Coordinator, Pauline Sullivan, said the outpouring of support in the form of vouchers, goods-in-kind and financial donations was both overwhelming and desperately needed.
"I can't begin to express how grateful I am to everyone who has contacted us about giving assistance or responded to our calls for help," she said.
"Over the past couple of weeks Woolworths gave us $2000 of food vouchers, and even schools and groups as far away as Sydney have reached out with offers of support.
"We've already had an increase in the number of people presenting at our emergency relief hub for help, and we delivered scores of food hampers to families in the lead up to Christmas."
Some of the organisations that have assisted Anglicare include Woolworths in Moruya, Aldi in Batemans Bay, GIVIT, IGA in Moruya, Men's Shed in Sydney, Narooma Plaza, Horizon Credit Union, IMB in Moruya, Bunnings Batemans Bay and St Peter's Anglican College.
"People in the Eurobodalla region have had a very tough couple of years, and it's those who are already vulnerable who need the most help with expenses over the Christmas period," Ms Sullivan said.
"To know that locals are reaching out to help others in their own community is inspiring. It makes a real difference for families and gives them the financial and emotional breathing space they need at this time of year."
Ms Sullivan coordinates Anglicare's emergency relief service based at Vulcan Street in Moruya which provides material aid such as food relief and clothing, referrals, and offers a friendly, listening ear for people needing emotional support and connection.
More than 200 people from Batemans Bay through to Narooma have been assisted through the service over the past month.