At various times in many people’s lives, it can become a real stretch to make ends meet.
Now, more than ever, tough times are being felt across all segments of the community – it might be for a few weeks, a few months, or longer.
The stress of juggling money to pay the bills and buy food puts pressure on everyone in the home.
Throw in a mechanical issue with the car or a major appliance breakdown and it can become overwhelming.
Often, it can be hard to know where to reach out for help.
Unfortunately, there is no magic wand to fix all these problems, but there are some wonderful agencies in and around Pakenham who can help with the basics.
They operate with the support of volunteers and donations and are always there to provide a helping hand when you need it.
If you find that you need some extra food staples to take the pressure off a weekly shop, you can visit the services in our area listed below.
They offer support in the form of groceries, fresh fruit and vegetables, or pre-packed care parcels.
All provided with kindness and without judgment.
Please don’t hesitate to call them for more information on how to access each service.
If you can help with donations of non-perishable food items, toiletries or cleaning products, you can drop them off at the individual agencies or bring them to my office at Suite 3, 445 Princes Highway, Officer and I will gladly pass them on.
No donation is too small, and all are appreciated.
For groceries support, contact:
• Have Hope, 1A Main Street, Pakenham – 0493 661 704 (call before 5pm on Thursday for deliveries) Open Friday from 9.30am to 1.00pm. From Thursday 17 October, it will open on Thursdays as well;
• The Pakenham Community Pantry at Living & Learning Centre, Henry Street, Pakenham – 5941 2389;
• Follow Bless Collective, 30 Tivendale Road, Officer – 5943 2137;
• ADRA Community Bus – Thursdays, Pakenham Library, – 1800 242 372;
• Pakenham Library, corner John & Henry Street, Pakenham – 5940 6200;
• Afri Aus iLEAC at Living & Learning Centre, Henry Street Pakenham – 5941 2389; and
• Sammy’s Pantry at the Second Chance Op Shop, Shop 6, 114 Princes Highway, Pakenham – 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 2pm on weekends
For home-cooked meals, contact:
• Paddy’s Kitchen – take away meals on Sundays 4pm to 4.30pm, St Patricks Parish Hall, 136 Princes Highway, Pakenham – 5941 7315; and
• Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Darbar, Officer 33 Officer Road, Officer – Freshly cooked vegetarian meals (eat in) every day – 0421 061 177.
