Mary Mac’s Place at Woy Woy received a welcome boost recently when the Older Women’s Network Deepwater (OWN) popped in with a donation of winter warmers and $500 in cash.
OWN advocates for the rights, dignity and wellbeing of older women in the community.
As part of its work, members fundraise to provide food and groceries to Mary Mac’s Place Community Food Pantry run by the Seventh Day Adventists and Community SOS.
The group also supports Allawah House, a 14-bed refuge at East Gosford for older women who have been victims of domestic or family violence.
On July 1, OWN Secretary Jennifer Brown handed over beanies, scarves and a lap rug together with a $500 donation for the food pantry.
She said OWN Deepwater had a dedicated group of knitters who knitted all year round to provide warm accessories to the clients.
Project Worker Sally Baker said Mary Mac’s had experienced a huge upsurge in food insecurity.
Last month Mary Mac’s Place gave out 253 food hampers to struggling families and the elderly.
This is quite separate from their core services of providing hot lunches, Orange Sky laundry vans, showers, toiletries and groceries to the needy including rough sleepers who are struggling to stay well and warm.
This was the second $500 donation towards the food pantry this year with OWN hoping to keep the donations coming to help the food insecurity being experienced in the area.