Pay it Forward, a Facebook site which started in Bathurst just over three years ago, is a meeting place for people in need and those who might be able to help out.

Susie Wright, who runs the Pay it Forward group said any donation appropriate for a Christmas hamper would be appreciated.

She said the group started doing hampers three years ago.

The first year about 40 hampers were assembled.

Since then the idea has grown with hampers being given out to members as well as other community groups including the women’s refuge, Hope church and the Benevolent society.

In 2017, the group gave away over 100 hampers, well over double the previous year. Demand for help, Ms Wright said, is constantly increasing, which is why she is hoping the group can make even more hampers this year.

She is asking for donations of non perishable food, UHT custard, jelly, UHT milk, something nice for the kids, like candy canes, tinned foods, pasta and other items of food which can be used on Christmas Day, or afterwards.

She said Pay it Forward will be taking hamper donations right up until December 23, and donations can be made at 25 Miriyan Drive. 

Paying it Forward Bathurst is a Facebook site where people ask for items or make donations – and all transactions are free.

Ms Wright, the site administrator, said no selling is allowed, and the site works purely through people’s generosity.

Ms Wright said she started the site in 2015 after moving to the city from Wagga, where she’d done some work with Angels For The Forgotten, which works with vulnerable children.

She said she had an interest in helping people in need, and knew what it was like to be doing it tough.

She had heard of a similar site running and decided to start it in Bathurst. People can post on the site asking for example, clothes.