Toiletry drive for the homeless underway

GIVING back to the community that’s supported their business for twenty-one years, Advanced Cabinetry has begun their annual Christmas toiletry drive.

Sales manager, Tanya Smith said it’s the fifth year they’ve collected public donations during the festive season, all for the city’s homeless.

“Ballarat has a high homeless rate, and the year we’ve had has been a strange one, hitting our homeless twice as hard, including the support services they would usually access,” she said.

“People may not think to give toiletry items, but they are always needed. We give the donations we receive to Anglicare who are often given tinned, non-perishable food, but are always low on toiletry items.”

Mrs Smith said people may not realise the huge impact a small personal hygiene product can make to a person sleeping rough.

“In recent years, when we arrived to make a delivery, Anglicare had one tube of toothpaste left on their shelf, so people don’t realise how much of a difference their giving makes.

“One person can spend as little as a couple of dollars for one can of deodorant. You don’t need to outlay a lot of money; a small gesture can make someone feel good within themself,” she said.

Donors are invited to drop into the Advanced Cabinetry showroom at 134 Fussell Street, Ballarat East with whatever they can offer.

“We had a lovely lady come in with half a dozen made-up toiletry bags because her granddaughter wanted her to donate to the drive instead of getting a Christmas present.

“Everything goes directly to those that need it,” Mrs Smith said.