When just putting food on the table is a struggle, adding items like deodorant and shampoo to the shopping trolley is way out of reach.
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Disadvantaged and homeless people are turning to Bethany Community Support in growing numbers for those essentials many people take for granted.
The organisation is running a toiletry drive and calling on the community to donate products like deodorant, shampoo, sanitary items and shaving cream.
Bethany Community Support senior administration officer Kristie Low said there was a growing demand for the toiletry packs, which she believed was probably a combination of an increase in homelessness and more people becoming aware the packs were available.
“We have an emergency relief program here, so we do have people coming in who are in crisis… but we also have other programs such as financial counselling, gamblers help and family services and we provide those toiletries through those programs too,” she said.
“If you’ve going grocery shopping and you’ve only got a bit of money, the money is going to go to the food before it goes to the other stuff.
“Sometimes just being able to give people a bag of new stuff.. it might brighten someone’s day, it gives people a sense of value.”
Bethany is hosting a fund-raising barbecue at Bunnings on Friday from 9am-4pm, where people can also donate items. Donations can also be made at Bethany’s headquarters in the Bayside City Plaza, Warrnambool from Monday to Friday.
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