The Hunter community has once again shown it has a big heart by donating goods to help people who are rebuilding their lives after the devastating floods in Northern NSW.   

Just last week Lifeline Hunter launched a clothing appeal and locals well and truly heard the call for help. 

In a matter of days thousands of items, including clothing, towels, sheets, belts and shoes, have been collected. 

It’s filled 120 pallets and weighs around 20,000 kilograms. 

Lifeline Hunter’s Melissa Sams is incredibly proud of her region. 

“There has been an overwhelming amount of support from the community,” she said.

“It’s not unexpected because in these types of crises our community pulls together to help one another.

“I have been at this warehouse a couple of times and as people roll in with their car loads of donations they bring the bags to the door and they explain to you what is in there.

“It’s part of their life that they are handing over and they’re sharing.

“They hand it over and know that they are making a contribution to help the Northern Rivers community.”

Even though it won’t replace everything people have lost, Melissa knows it will help them move forward and show them that the country cares. 

She adds the response to the drive has been heart-warming. 

“We want to thank the community for the overwhelming response,” she said. 

“We are still accepting donations and if people don’t have the goods to donate we also have our flood appeal as well if they are wanting to make a cash donation.”

Lifeline are more than happy to accept any clothing, bedding, towels, shoes or toiletries during the appeal. 

While all items will be appreciated, mens clothing, kids clothing and quality shoes are particularly needed. 

They’re also looking for volunteers to help sort the items.

Lifeline Hunter’s retail hub manager Renee Moir says it’s not just people who are responding, several local businesses are also supporting the campaign.

Newcastle Permanent is set to fund the cost to transport the donated items from Newcastle to Lismore and a number of staff have also volunteered to help sort the items.

Carrington-based manufacturer Thales is providing extra storage space to cope with the volume of donations while Penny Dudding, owner of Warners Bay-based lingerie and prosthesis fitting business You Really Are Beautiful, donated 20 boxes (more than 500) of new bras. 

She is also offering women in the Northern Rivers who have lost their breast prosthesis in the floods to contact her to arrange for a free new one to be sent up to them.

“I’m not surprised by the generosity of Newcastle Permanent, Thales and local people, but it makes me an even prouder Novocastrian,” Ms Moir said.

The donated items will likely leave Newcastle in a week or so to be there when they will be of most use and can be effectively distributed to local people.

People can still donate items at 27/54 Clyde Street, Hamilton North from 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday. 

Lifeline is also urging anyone who is struggling to cope with the flooding emergency and other world events taking place, whether they live in a flood affected community or not, to call 13 11 14.

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