Helping Hand campaign is a success

By Shaun Inguanzo
DEDICATED volunteers handing out free toys, food and clothing to Greater Dandenong and Casey’s poorest families estimate they have helped more than 2000 people over two weekends.
The latest round of We Care Community Services’ Helping Hand Campaign last weekend saw volunteers distribute free goods to needy people at churches in Cranbourne and Noble Park.
We Care CEO Lino D’Costa declared the campaign a success so far, and said the organisation was on track to reaching its target of helping 3000 people prior to Christmas.
People must present a Health Care Card to be eligible for free food, toys or clothing, he said.
The unfortunate side to the give-away sessions, Mr D’Costa said, was that demand far outstripped supply.
“People have responded overwhelmingly,” he said.
“In both events we had 100 people lining up outside the door before we opened.
“We had enough clothes, but not enough food and toys, which was a bit of a concern.
“We had to take names and addresses and tell those who missed out that we would get back to them.”
Mr D’Costa said throughout the year, We Care’s Helping Hand campaign had involved 250 volunteers – a crucial part of the effort.
“Last weekend we had 25 at Noble Park and about 30 at Cranbourne,” he said.