Jennifer Pittorino
Each year, the West Footscray Neighbourhood House hosts a winter clothing drive to give back to the community during the cold winter months.
This year, community engagement manager Shannon Snowdon said the neighbourhood house is lucky to be partnering with City on a Hill Melbourne West for the drive on Saturday, June 15.
“They have provided the hall for the day, the storage unit for the coats, and have been collecting donations from their 300-strong congregation,” she said.
“They have also provided us with all of the barbecues for the sausage sizzle and staff for the day.”
Those who attend the drive will have their selection from a range of items including adults and kids hoodies, coats, beanies, new winter socks, sleeping bags, Doonas and more.
Ms Snowdon said in addition to clothing there will also be a selection of non-perishable food items and pantry staples.
“We will be offering free essential support and assistance to those in need,” she said
“We understand that life can be tough and everyone needs a helping hand at times.
“They will have the opportunity to learn about the various services that West Footscray Neighbourhood House provides to support the community.”
Grateful for the Maribyrnong community’s support along this drive, Ms Snowdon said the centre now has more boxes of clothing than they can handle.
“We have boxes coming out of our ears, it is incredible it has reached so many people,” she said.
With lots of clothing coming from day care centres and schools, Ms Snowdon said they have had the opportunity to select the best of the best for the drive.
“We are only taking really good conditioned items, we are being really picky this year,” she said.
“It is a great thing for the community, we are reaching out where we can and finding everyone is happy to help.”
The event will run at City on a Hill Melbourne West, 266 Ballarat Road, Footscray, from 10.30am-1pm.
