The joy of one teenager receiving his first 'hoodie' was enough to make Carevan's winter appeal with West End Plaza worthwhile - let alone the support hundreds will receive.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The appeal came to an end last week, with 70 blankets and 41 pairs of gloves among items donated.
Carevan project officer Leanne Johnson thanked those who added to the box outside Kmart in West End Plaza.
"Some of the agencies we work with are Yes Unlimited, Wellways and Friends of Nolan House," she said.
"Even for people that are moving from temporary accommodation into their own house, to be able to have bits and pieces is helpful.
"We've got a family that's just moved into a house and really struggle.
"So to be able to say, 'Can I grab that blanket?' means a lot.
"With another family, there was a little boy who pulled a jacket out, and he held it up and he goes, 'Mum, it's new!'
"We can't replace that."
West End Plaza marketing manager Nicole Singh said the appeal exceeded expectations.
"We're just so happy that we can do it," she said.
Carevan Director Jacqui Partington said donations were already being distributed.
"Beanies and socks have gone to adults and kids that have been going to the nightly meal service," she said.
"There's people who are couch surfing that now have blankets.
"We've been blown away by the support and it's all local - not one item is going to leave the area."
Ms Partington said businesses could provide support to other Carevan operations.
"We do have some really generous local businesses that donate meat, fruit and vege, but for the cooking program through the schools which provide the daily meals, we need more businesses donating," she said.
