A helping hand for 25 years

The Crossing Drop In Centre Drouin will celebrate 25 years of serving the community with a special afternoon tea on Friday from 1pm until 4pm.

The centre name originated from its original location on the former Ampol service station site, which was located directly opposite the pedestrian crossing in the centre of town.

Having originally rented those premises, volunteers worked hard to allow the centre to buy its current building at 134a Princes Way.

Crossing Drop In Centre Drouin secretary Tania Ernst said while there was a growing need for food relief, the drop in centre also offered other services to the community.

“There is opportunity to have a light meal at our community lunch, to gather for a nutritious meal in company,” she said. “They otherwise might not have that at home. “There are people in awkward accommodation settings such as caravan parks as there is a housing shortage.”

Ms Ernst said the need for food relief had grown over the past 10 years, with the Drop In Centre’s clients benefitting from the second bite program.

“We get two days of leftover fruit and vegetables that supplement our meals and are also available for our visitors to take,” she said.

“Once a month we can provide a parcel of food or emergency toiletries, they are our limits.”

The Centre also acts as a place of rest between jobs, with many people from out of town calling into the centre for a cuppa between appointments.

It also features a Christian book and gift shop, with small group bible studies held each term.

Ms Ernst said the Centre hoped its current and former clients would attend the special afternoon tea on Friday between 1pm and 4pm.

Testimonies and speeches are welcome on the day by RSVP to the secretary, email thecrossing@exemail.com.au or phone 5625 2655.