FOR those needing somewhere to go when seeking support and connection this festive season, the Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre’s (CHNC) doors are open.

“The Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre is the place to go when you don’t know where to go in the lead-up to Christmas,” CHNC Coordinator Anna Joy told News Of The Area.

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“As Christmas gets closer the centre is getting busier and we’re seeing increasing numbers of people reaching out for help.”

Located in the Community Village, off Harbour Drive, the Centre’s doors are open to everyone and anyone from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday.

“One of our friendly team members will greet you with the customary ‘how can we help’ welcome,” Anna said.

In addition to programs and activities, the Neighbourhood Centre also offers essential food support.

“In a time of increasing costs, sometimes there isn’t quite enough to go around.

“This is where working with OzHarvest to distribute fruit, vegetables, bread and meat daily can help.”

The centre also receives donations of pantry items, toiletries, pet food and baby supplies to be provided to anyone that needs them.

For some people, it’s just popping in for a chat that helps.

“Sometimes easing the social isolation people can feel, especially at this time of the year, can be all a person needs to leave feeling better than when they came in,” said Anna.

The Neighbourhood Centre services can support people directly while also being very well connected with a range of Coffs Harbour essential support providers, including Pete’s Place, Lifehouse Care and The Salvation Army.

“That means if we can’t help, we will know someone who can.”

Anna said CHNC’s Breaking Bread Essential Support Directory is their most popular brochure and includes many places people can go for food and voucher support.

“It really is amazing how generous the community of Coffs Harbour is.

“Both the many support organisations in Coffs Harbour and also all the individuals who make contact with us to donate.

“We only need to let people know we need donations and people turn up.

“We are doing what we can to ensure that we can provide some extra support at Christmas.

“To complement our recent Bunnings Sausage Sizzle fundraising we are reaching out to community members who might want to help.

“We are putting a call out for extra donations of non-perishable pantry items including items that are a little bit special for Christmas; sweet biscuits, chocolates, tinned ham, Christmas puddings, nuts and potato chips to give people some festive cheer.”

The Centre is also seeking financial donations to further support the community.

“With all monetary donations made between now and our closure on the 20 December, we are hoping to purchase gift cards that can be distributed and used for food, to buy a gift for a child or to pay for fuel to visit a family member or friend,” said Anna.

If you can help, please visit the Centre weekdays anytime between 9am and 4pm.

If you or someone you know might need extra help at Christmas please reach out to CHNC on (02) 6648 3964.

By Andrea FERRARI