The generosity of the Manning community has once again been on display.
The 28th Australian Army Cadet Unit held a drive in Taree Central to collect essential household items from the public for the Samaritans Specialist Homelessness Service.
The result, about 30 large bags full of long life milk, nappies, baked beans, cereals and cleaning products.
Samaritans co-ordinator Suzi Rowe was amazed by the donations.
“It’s overwhelming,” Suzie said.
“We can support so many families, feed the kids and generally just help them out.
“Words can’t describe our appreciation.’
Suzi said the organisation looked at between 1500 to 2000 cases per year.
“An individual case may include five people,” Suzi said.
“The girls (Samaritans staff) work really hard.”
Cadet unit projects manager Cliff Fitness said the contribution from the community was tremendous and that they selected Samaritans for their work with the homeless, those at risk of homelessness and those affected by domestic violence.
“This will make all the difference,” Cliff said.
“It’s the community saying thanks for what the Samaritans do.”
Cliff also thanked MidCoast Council, Taree Central and Woolworths for their assistance with the project.
The unit has plans to collect items for the organisation again in the near future.
Their last major project was the Australia Day 24 hour walk at Club Taree in 2017 to raise funds for Veterans 360.
“We’re looking at projects all the time,” Cliff said.
The unit is gearing up for a trip to New Zealand in November.
They will hold raffles and fundraisers around Taree to support the trip.
