Star

Handout warms the soul

18th May 2006 09:24:31 AM

Helping Hand volunteer Dean unpacks boxes of clothes while fellow

MORE than 600 needy people benefited from the Dandenong community’s warm gesture of handing out winter clothing last Saturday.

We Care community services organised the Helping Hand event in which 90 volunteers distributed warm clothing to low income Dandenong residents who are struggling to buy garments.

We Care spokesman Lino D’Costa said the event began at 10am but many people lined up from 6.30am in the cold to ensure they received garments.

Mr D’Costa said volunteers checked for health care or pension cards before handing clothing out.

The event ran until 3.30pm at Dandenong North’s Faith! Christian Church, whose community contributed volunteers and clothing to the event.

“These people are making the decision between what to buy to wear and whether to feed their families and pay the electricity bills,” Mr D’Costa said.

“But they can come to places like this, present their card and take away warm clothes.”

The Helping Hand Day is one of several planned over coming weeks in suburbs including Noble Park, Croydon, Doveton and Cranbourne.

“I would like to thank the community and City of Greater Dandenong for their support and also Victorian Relief, and Faith! Christian Church, otherwise we wouldn’t be able to do this,” Mr D’Costa said.