The Murray community spent the past month collecting non-perishable food items and toiletries to help those in need.
As an annual initiative by the Shire of Murray to honour Anti-Poverty Week, the community food drive resulted in more than 16 bins full of donations delivered by the shire to the Pinjarra Community Kitchen on October 13.
Shire president Douglas McLarty said the donations would help feed people experiencing homelessness or severe financial hardship.
“The Murray community has once again rallied behind the Food Drive to help those doing it tough,” he said.
“We have been told the volume of donations received should help keep the Pinjarra Community Kitchen stocked for many months to come.”
Pastor John Coman said most of the donated goods would become the basis of their annual Christmas hampers.
Working with other local agencies and school chaplains, the kitchen fills laundry baskets with food, presents and other Christmas goods for those in need in the Shire of Murray. Last year they were able to make 54 hampers.
Mr Coman said now more than ever there were people in Murray doing it tough financially.
“The need is growing, even in a small community like Pinjarra and its surrounding towns,” he said.
“These range from families who are struggling, pensioners and even people who are living rough or sleeping in their cars.”