The Women’s Resource Centre (WRC) in Bega is calling for donations of blankets for local families to help stay warm this winter.

“If you have got some blankets at the bottom of your cupboard that you don’t want, then there are cold people in the Bega Valley who could use them,” WRC coordinator Gabrielle Powell said.

“We just want to keep people warm.”

She said low-income earners are struggling with the cold, as many cannot afford electricity or gas for heating and live in older, colder houses around the Valley.

Woollen blankets are preferred, but others including doonas will be accepted - although the WRC would prefer no acrylic throws as they are not very warm and are flammable.

Ms Powell said people used to drop their blankets off at the Bega Women’s Refuge, however as it is now closed they have begun to give them to the WRC.

Around 20 have been given away free already, with more waiting to be collected.

“People would much rather give blankets knowing they will go free to people who need them,” coordinator of women’s domestic violence court advocacy service Dianne Smithett said.

Ms Smithett said the WRC will continue to collect blankets until the end of winter, as people are still waiting for them.

“Basically, there are so many people in need in winter,” she said.

Blankets can be donated at the WRC at 14 Peden St, or the Far South Coast Family Support in Bega, and call Ms Powell on 6492 1367 to organise when to drop them off.  

Donations of warm blankets would also be welcome at the Bega St Vinnies and Salvation Army stores' charity bins.