Toiletry donations are needed at the heart of a campaign in the lead-up to St Patrick's Day.
The event will go towards helping Griffith Helping Hands and Carevan support those in the community doing it tough.
This year Griffith Real Estate is partnering with Ethan Murphy from Mackays Furniture One to steer the cause.
Griffith Helping Hands founder Michelle Bordignon OAM says past years' efforts have been invaluable to her organisation, which has long supplied toiletry packs to those in the community.
"It gets quite expensive purchasing such items, whether it be toothpaste or hair product, so having that amazing help goes a long way," she said.
She says the need for such items is more than prevalent in Griffith.
"I'm even called to the hospital to supply packs, whether it be to the emergency department or maternity," she said.
"Sometimes people have been whisked away to hospital from another town without time to pack."
That need is also growing under the current financial climate.
"Cost of living certainly doesn't help those struggling to afford items, and I've noticed they have increased in price," she said.
"You used to be able to get shampoo and conditioner for two dollars; now it's at least five.
"I can't imagine a large family or someone with hardly any money being able to afford such things."
Meanwhile, Mackays Furniture has also been doing its part to help those in need.
Mr Murphy receives donations of old furniture that he supplies to Helping Hands which then gets passed on to those who need it most.
Griffith Real Estate'sTony Santolin says last year's campaign saw businesses donate at least $500 worth of items each.
He hopes to see equal success this time around.
"We will be accepting donations at our St Patrick's Day event, but we would also like people to drop off items to us in the lead-up," he said.
"St Patrick's Day has always been special to me; I think people can sense the need and want to help out."
The culmination of the campaign will occur at the Coro Club from 1pm on Saturday, March 15.
Guinness Beer will be flowing and a band will fill the club with Irish melody.
An ice cream van, jumping castle, raffles and more will also be on site.
"The idea is for it to be a fun family day," Mr Santolin said.
Mr Murphy, who is Irish, says he has long wanted to put together a St Patrick's Day event.
"Every year St Paddys rolls around and you think, gee, it would be good to do something," he said.
"But I forget that I'm the Irishman and the ball is really in my court.
"So I spoke to my friends from Ireland and the idea has gone from there"
An array of other sponsors are also aiding the cause, including Bottcher's Joinery and Small Sounds Music Education.
Source: https://www.areanews.com.au/story/8905151/griffith-donation-drive-support-locals-this-st-patricks/