It took less than a day for Albury-Wodonga Regional Food Share to gather its troops and harness the community's generosity to co-ordinate deliveries of food to fire-affected towns in the Upper Murray.
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Volunteers jumped into action on New Year's Day and by mid-afternoon had sent 14 pallets to Jingellic thanks to Plummer's Freight.
First thing Thursday, 17 pallets of non-perishable food and household staples went to Corryong with another 18 pallets donated by mid-morning, board member Richard Robertson said.
A steady stream of cars rolled into the organisation's Wodonga warehouse as residents immediately responded to the online call for donations.
Mr Robertson estimated 132 families dropped off non-perishable food and little extras (including a bag of teddies) Thursday morning; some left heart-warming notes of support on donated items.
Volunteer Bev Campbell hugged people as they loaded supplies onto trolleys and the warehouse ran like a well-oiled machine as the efficient crew sorted items for immediate delivery.
Mars Petcare Wodonga's social club members arrived in a convoy of 11 cars and trailers laden with donated pet food, which was closely followed by another delivery of 18 pallets from the giant pet food manufacturer.
"People will feed their pets over and above themselves in times like this," Mr Robertson said.
Board member Simon Welsh said distribution of the supplies at the other end was being co-ordinated by Towong Shire.
"The extraordinary effort here in the past two days shows how vital it is to have this infrastructure on the ground locally so we can respond immediately in times of great need," Mr Welsh said.
Volunteers are on hand to take donations at 55 Moorefield Park Drive from 7.30am each day - non-perishable food, water and household staples are urgently needed (no clothing please).
