In conjunction with the Nelson Bay All Saints Church's Hope Cottage service, the volunteer organisation is hosting a contact-less community food drive to be held on Saturday, June 13, between 10am and 2pm.

Interagency committee member Dorothy Thom said that the coronavirus pandemic had compelled members to seek new ways for the Port community to continue their generous donations of food items to those who are currently experiencing hardship and crisis.

The one-off service is in addition to the collection bins that Hope Cottage has made available at three local supermarkets - Woolworths Nelson Bay, IGA Anna Bay and IGA Salamander Bay.

"We have decided to set up a drive-through service, where motorists are being encouraged to deliver their donations to the All Saints Anglican Church car park. Once there, items will be taken from the car by a volunteer and a thank you card and children's educational books given in return," Ms Thom said.

Food items could include cereal, soup, pasta (inc. gluten free), rice, beans, tinned meat, tinned vegetables, tea/coffee, tinned fruit, biscuits, UHT milk, fruit juice, fresh fruit and vegetables, or personal care items

Hope Cottage is open every Tuesday from 10am to 12noon for anyone in need.

"It is a place to 'drop in', a place to find a listening ear. We also provide emergency food relief to help make life a little bit easier for local individuals and families doing it tough. We know that unexpected expenses can pop up, circumstances can change and at times people's financial situation can feel overwhelming," Ms Thom said.

The All Saints church is located at 25 Church Street, Nelson Bay.

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