By Gai Hawthorn, CEO Penrith CBD Corporation and Secretary of Penrith Community Kitchen

AS winter approaches, our community is rallying together to support those in need through our annual Winter Appeal. We are pleased to announce our appeal for donations of new gloves, beanies, scarves, and jackets to help the vulnerable stay warm during the cold season.

We need support from the community from the 1st of May to ensure everyone has the essentials they need to stay warm and safe. You may ask why new or nearly new items to donate,  its simple, it’s cold outside when you have no heating or perhaps even a roof over your head and the new are much warmer for all. We ask if you have second hand items to send them to local charity groups and op shops as they need these too as winter approaches.

The Winter Appeal is a critical initiative designed to provide warmth and comfort to those who need it most. With temperatures dropping and the cost of living rising, many people in our community are at risk of facing harsh conditions without adequate clothing.

We invite everyone to get involved in this year’s Winter Appeal by donating new or near new items or making monetary contributions. Donations can be dropped off thanks to our supporters getting involved for this year’s appeal at;

1. Penrith City Council foyer –  601 High Street

2. Karen McKeown’s MP State Members office – 510 High Street

3. NAB Penrith, Cnr Henry and Riley Streets (opposite Westfield)

Please drop off items during business hours, and all contributions will go directly to those in our community who need them the most.

We thank Hitchens Storage (Trevor and Tricia)for supplying each year the boxes and getting involved too.

We also encourage local businesses and organisations to partner with us in this initiative. By working together, we can make a significant impact and demonstrate the strength of our community spirit. Lets come together to make this winter a little warner for everyone .

For more information about the Winter Appeal or to make a donation, please visit our website at
www.penrithcommunitykitchen.com.au.

The second way to get involved is if you knit or sew you can get involved with this year’s TOTS blanket Challenge  The Creative Fringe is again taking the charge and hoping to knit and sew much needed blankets to distribute to our vulnerable this winter. To find out more visit
www.thecreativefringe.com.au

The Penrith Winter Appeal is about everyone supporting those vulnerable in our community, taking 1 item from a local retailer to the donation boxes could make the difference for someone out in the cold. Imagine if that was a small child or an elderly person – we just don’t want anyone to go without.

If you need a hot nourishing meal this winter or a relief hamper remember Penrith Community Kitchen is open for lunch 11.30-1.30pm

Mon- Friday (or drop donations to PCYC Monday to Friday 8-8pm or Saturday 8-midday)

Thank you for caring about our community and GETTING INVOLVED.