Requests for linen and food donations for Albany’s annual St Vinnie’s Winter Appeal

St Vincent de Paul’s annual Winter Appeal starts on Thursday, with the local Albany sorting centre imploring for donations of food staples and linen to help get the needy through this year’s winter.

Volunteer Petrina Andreotti is requesting the community donate whatever linen and food they can afford.

After paying for rent and essential services like utilities, many don’t have money to buy other essentials like bedding, linen or food.

“There are many reasons why people need help, for example, it may be domestic violence, disabilities, or sudden illnesses,” Ms Andreotti said.

“We help where we can but we rely on the community for donations in the way of furniture or female products.”

Despite serving the community for 30 years, the Albany St Vinnie’s depot is struggling to fill its shelves and faces the possibility of having to turn those in need away.

“We have many clients that come in and they’re starting from scratch again, from things like domestic violence, and we do what we can to help place them into a unit or home,” Ms Andreotti said.

“And they often have nothing but the clothes on their backs, so we help them with furniture, crockery, utensils, and all sorts of things to get them started up again.

“Because of the cost of electricity, many people can’t afford to turn their heaters on, so we’re asking for more blankets.

“There’s more homelessness in Albany than what most people think, so we’re giving out sleeping bags, doonas, and pillows to keep them warm.”

Donations can be made to the St Vincent de Paul depot on Chevalier Street, Centennial Park or to the Op-Shop.