Green Garden Childcare Centre is stepping up to do its part in tough economic times.
The centre has kicked off their community drive and are encouraging people to drop off children’s clothes, toys and books.
Centre Director Melanie Carter said the program is about everyone doing their part.
“We just know that at the moment there is a lot of people affected in the community with the cost-of-living crisis happening and the rise of the cost-of-living, so we just thought we can do our part by asking for donations of brand new or in good condition clothes, toys and everything like that,” she said.
“So, the community can come in and go through and grab what they need and hopefully it helps just that little bit.”
Fellow educator Olivia Bateup said that the drive is already being utilised by the public.
“It’s actually been very popular,” she said.
“We had someone walk through the other day and they just grabbed so much.
“They were like ‘Is this OK?’ and we were like ‘Please take what you need’.”
Carter said they are encouraging people to take whatever they need in these times.
“We have bags available if people feel a bit embarrassed or anything so they can kind of pop it in the bag,” she said.
“The only thing we ask is that they don’t take the clothes hangers, it’s kind of a bit of a struggle to keep replacing the clothes hangers but otherwise they can take whatever they need and as much as they need.”
The community drive is planned to be a feature of the centre year-round, and Carter said it is good to be helping their community.
“It makes you feel good that we are able to help that little bit and it’s not actually us doing a lot but it’s helping people,” she said.
All donations are welcome at the Green Garden Childcare Centre on Lethbridge Street, Penrith.
Emily Chate
Emily Chate joined The Western Weekender in 2024, and covers local news - primarily courts and politics. A graduate of the University of Wollongong, Emily has contributed to The Daily Telegraph and worked as a freelance journalist.