A group of Cootamundra residents had gathered around 13 bags of groceries and essential items for farming families late last week.
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By the time the NSW Farmers Support Network collected on Saturday – there were 50 bags.
Cootamundra’s Gloria Schultz said the response had been “breath-taking”.
Mrs Schultz said a small effort to bring some hope to farming families battling drought had exploded thanks to the generosity of Cootamundra.
Anne Gammon, Cathy O’Brien and Kay Johnson have been helping Mrs Schultz put the bags together.
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On Wednesday, a $500 donation from Cootamundra’s Catholic parish was received to help the effort, several service clubs have also made significant donations.
So far, another 54 bags had been packed and there’s little doubt there will be 100 ready by the weekend for the next collection on the weekend.
“Bottled water is essential and is one of the most needed items,” Mrs Gammon said.
Canned food were among the items which were needed to fill out more bags of supplies, as well as personal essential items like soaps, toothpastes, and shampoo.
Mrs Gammon said a farmer in the state's west who received a delivery, told the driver that “if it wasn’t for this today, I wouldn’t be here tomorrow”.
She said the donations helped cover the emotional support which was often not covered by drought aid.
Donations of bottled water, general groceries and essential personal items can been left with Mrs Schultz at 62 Sutton Street in Cootamundra.
Meanwhile on August 25, the Ex-Servicemens Club will host the Parma for a Farmer fundraiser.
Next, Cootamundra’s Intereach Community Hub’s Wiggle and Giggle will be creating care packs for farmers.
The Wiggle and Giggle for Tuesday, August 14 will have children dressed a farming theme and parents are asked to bring some non-perishable items including food, bottled water, nappies, pet food and toiletries.
“It’s all about coming together as a community and doing our part, every donation helps and every donation is welcome, nothing’s too little,” Intereach CEO Keryn Fox said
Wiggle and Giggle starts at 10.30am.
Declan Rurenga
Declan Rurenga was the editor of Griffith's Area News and Leeton's Irrigator until September 2023. Before landing at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, he reported news in Junee, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Cootamundra.
Declan Rurenga was the editor of Griffith's Area News and Leeton's Irrigator until September 2023. Before landing at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, he reported news in Junee, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Cootamundra.
