Charity struggles with demand
AN increased number of mouths to feed has forced one Toowoomba charity to call on its community for a lending hand.
St Luke’s Parish Pantry provides parcels of food to those in need.
However a slow-down in donations combined with more foot traffic had brought desperate times for Parish Pantry, coordinator Jennifer Murray said yesterday.
“We are getting a higher number of the less fortunate coming in for a parcel of non-perishable goods, which helps to give them a bit of help up not a hand-out,” she said.
“We’re just not getting a sufficient supply of the things we really need.”
About 40 people a week visit the Parish Ministry Centre for a parcel.
“We’re part of this community after all and if we could urge the community to be involved, we would certainly appreciate it very much,” Ms Murray said.
“Anyone can find themselves falling on hard times. We had one gentleman last week who used to donate food and now was collecting it.”
The parish pantry accepts donations of tinned foods, tined fruits, pasta sauce, long-life milk, long-life juice, cereal, condiments, rice, pasta, tea, coffee and sugar. Donations can be left at the Parish Ministry Centre from 9am-1pm week days. Those in need can attend the centre on Wednesdays from 9.30am-11.30am for a parcel. Customers may visit every fortnight and will need to provide a Pension Card.