Mary Mac’s Place in Woy Woy is in need of donations of everyday food and personal care staples – including tinned meats and fish, small and family-sized shampoos, conditioners and soaps and single-serve milk.
Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said demand for hampers from families, individuals and people doing it tough was stronger than ever.
“For many disadvantaged members of our community, the cupboards are almost bare,” she said.
“For some people in need, the food cupboards are entirely bare.”
Tesch said recent figures show demand for Mary Mac’s hampers has gone from 50 a week to 150.
“Even some of the shelves in Mary Mac’s own food pantry are also looking a little understocked,” she said.
“Coastie singles, families and people living on the streets depend on these hampers.
“I encourage members of the community to drop off a bag of essential groceries to Mary Mac’s at 100 Blackwall Rd, Woy Woy, to lend a helping hand to those less fortunate.
“Dropping in some meals-in-a-tin for Mary Mac’s hampers can be a big help to locals living rough.
“Even the simple act of donating some tinned fish could be real help to a family making their kids’ school sandwiches.”
Mary Mac’s Place provides social, community and friendship opportunities for men, women, families, young people, the elderly and the socially and economically disadvantaged.
Donations can be made at 100 Blackwall Rd, Woy Woy, opposite St John the Baptist Catholic Church.
Mary Mac’s provides many kinds of support for the Coast’s homeless, transient and disadvantaged – from a daily hot meal to shower and laundry facilities and Health on the Street services, to podiatry and hairdressing.
Volunteer Pauline Lazarus said donations from the local community made a real difference.
“We are very fortunate to receive donations such as food and groceries from local supermarkets, as well as donations of services from all kinds of local businesses, community groups and sporting teams,” she said.
“Every bit counts so we encourage locals to put aside time to pop in to drop off some groceries to us.”
Mary Mac’s is also looking for a volunteer driver.
Interested volunteers are invited to contact support worker Sally Baker on 0428 122 136.