MOUNTAIN OF LOVE: (From left) Yenda Rotary Flood Relief Appeal co-ordinator Brian Edwards, Yenda Rotary member Livio Forner, volunteers Claudia Busnello and Mary Poli and Yenda resident Jan McGoldrick stand among the tables of donated items at Yenda Memorial Hall. Picture: Anthony Stipo
WHEN Yenda Rotary put the call out for household items to help flood-affected residents, they never imagined the incredible response they'd get.
Since the Yenda Rotary Flood Relief Appeal was launched around a week ago, mountains of goods have landed at the Yenda Memorial Hall in what co-ordinator Brian Edwards called "phenomenal".
"The generosity of local people has just been amazing, it has blown me away," he said.
"My faith in humankind has well and truly been restored after seeing this. It's been enough to bring me to tears a few times.
"We have literally gone through tonnes of clothes, shoes, toys and other household items to set up our displays."
And while they have appreciated all donations, Mr Edwards said the need now was for specific items such as blankets, sheets pillows, doonas, towels, tea towels and whitegoods including refrigerators and freezers and beds and mattresses that are in good condition.
"We never expected anything like this kind of generosity," Mr Edwards said.
"This is open to everyone who has been flood affected in the region. We hope that Barellan, Darlington Point, Yoogali and Hanwood people will come out as well as Yenda residents.
"We had some Red Cross ladies here the other day and they've seen crisis situations all over the place and they said this was the best response to an appeal they'd ever seen.
"People who have nothing left and had to leave their houses can come in here and get quality clothing, shoes and other things to help.
"Some people have been a bit too proud to come in, so we've had to encourage them.
"The thing is they might need a hand now but in the future they can give back when they are able to.
"We are asking for ID and particulars, which we anticipate we will be able to use down the track to help those most in need."
For more information about the Yenda Rotary Flood Appeal contact Brian on 0428 331779.