You can support families doing it tough this winter

IT may not be cold yet but the chilly winter weather is on its way.

IT may not be cold yet but the chilly winter weather is on its way.

Most of us take wearing warm clothes and sleeping in a warm bed for granted, but for thousands of Toowoomba people winter is a time for worry.

Worrying about how they will protect themselves and their family from the cold harsh air.

Metro Care's Winter Warmth Appeal is aiming to make a difference to those doing it tough.

The appeal is an initiative that allows community organisations to help individuals and families who may not be able to cope with the chilly Toowoomba winter on their own.

SUPPORTING OTHERS: Asking for the community’s help to support Metro Care's Winter Warmth Appeal are (from front) Muareen McQuillan, Marjorie Lorenz, Wilma Brodie and Matt Gregg. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Donations have been flowing in since it kicked off on Sunday and operations manager Matt Gregg said they hoped to help 300 families this year.

"We are calling for donations of new or quality pre-loved items that can be used to help families in need," he said.

"Last year we were able to support 228 households and out best estimation, based on normal retail value, is that it equated to $30,000.

"We help people from all walks of life, people who are fourth or fifth generation Australians and even people who are brand new to the country."

As part of the initiative, community organisations such as youth services and welfare agencies are presented with $50 vouchers to give to their clients.

The recipients are then able to purchase winter goods, at op shop prices, at the Metro Care Shop.

Heritage Bank has put its support behind the appeal and donated money from its charity golf day to go towards buying new winter items.

But Mr Gregg said they also needed the help of the Toowoomba public.

"We have received fantastic sponsorship but the fact is we are going to need a whole lot more because the need for winter goods is growing year by year," he said.

"None of us can do everything but we can all do something and that something can make a big difference for someone else.

"If we all give a little bit of thought to what we can do to help, this appeal will go a long way."

Winter Warmth Appeal

• Donations are officially being accepted until May 22 but donations can be taken any time. 

• All donations can be made at Metro Care at 258 Spring St.

• For more information phone [phone].

Originally published as You can support families doing it tough this winter