The volunteer-run service receives on average 10 requests a week for everyday items like cooking equipment, toiletries and linen.

Committee member Lou Gibson said the service had been struggling for cash and item donations.

“We haven’t had any luck with funding at the moment but we’re not going to give up,” she said. 

“We rely on the community – what they give, we can give out.”

The inaugural Party Plan Expo will go towards replenishing stocks heading into winter.

Organiser Cheryl Tomlinson said the expo was for residents interested in niche products sold outside major retail stores.

“It’s a group of people who sell products that aren’t sold in shops but in a party plan where you go to a person’s house and show off the product,” she said. 

“They’re exclusive, like Avon – everyone knows them and Tupperware and they are party plan companies but there are so many others.”

Ms Tomlinson said she hoped to promote small businesses with the event.

“The other reason for doing this was, being such a small community, the consultants rely on friends and family to get more work,” she said.

“That can be exhausted very easily and this is an opportunity for the consultants to get new leads.

“What we plan to do next year is invite party plan companies that do not currently have consultants in the area.”

On Saturday, 21 stall holders will display products from noon to 5pm at the Wodonga Lawn Bowls Club.

There will be children’s entertainment and sausage sizzle to raise money for Wodonga Men’s Shed. 

Money from gold coin donations and a raffle of products will go to Restart.

Ms Gibson said the service relied “100 per cent” on the support of the community for donations and to purchase items.

“We need doonas, pillows blankets, saucepans – most things we’re running low on,” she said.