Winter clothing needed as chilly weather hits

LIFELINE Geelong have put a call out for warm clothing during the coldest months of the year.

Lifeline retail area manager Donna Barling said the need for winter donations was spread across the region, including on the Bellarine.

“Winter has started so early this year, everybody is feeling the cold and I think also winter really goes a bit longer than our traditional three months.

“We need lots and lots of clothes; long sleeve tops, jumper’s, jackets, scarves, beanies, all those sorts of things to help people stay warm.”

Ms Barling said the organisation did not normally have to ask for winter donations until later on in the season, and was really keen to get as many as possible.

Lifeline generally sees an increase in demand for their clothing during the winter as more people try to stay warm.

“People tend to have a look through their wardrobes as it starts to get cooler and if they’ve got some items they’re no longer needing or they’re replacing them, we’d love to have them,” Ms Barling said.

She said the winter clothes made a huge difference, not just in the community.

“All of the money that we raise in the stores means that we can answer more calls for Lifeline.

“It’s as simple as that, every little bit that people purchase from us or donate to us makes a big difference.”

People can donate their items to stores in Newcomb, Belmont, Drysdale, Grovedale and the warehouse in Breakwater.

Where possible, all donations are used locally or moved onto stores with a higher demand.

Lifeline are also on the lookout for anyone who is interested in volunteering with them in their stores or at the Breakwater warehouse.

For more information and how to volunteer, head to lifelinedirect.org.au