NOW that the weather is cooling down, charity organisations across Bathurst are appealing for donations to help keep stocks high for people in need.
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Over the past week, the average daytime temperature in Bathurst has not surpassed 17 degrees, while overnight temperatures have been as cold as minus 1.2 degrees.
Similar conditions are forecast for the coming days.
Bathurst Salvation Army Lieutenant Kate Cathcart said that the conditions were really unsafe for people sleeping rough in particular and encouraged those in a position to donate to help out.
This could be done by going through the cupboards for good quality blankets and warm clothes that are no longer needed, which can then be given to local charity shops.
The Salvation Army Family Store, located in Keppel Street, is currently after warm jumpers and blankets.
Manager of the store, Steve Barrott, said that it was hard to keep those items in stock over winter.
"We've got a lot of donations coming in, but they are going out quick," he said.
The store keeps prices on donated items low and, in cases where people in need can't afford them, will give the items away for free.
Also looking for donations is the Bathurst Community Op Shop, which has a shortage of blankets.
Deputy mayor Bobby Bourke, who is heavily involved in the running of the shop, said it does a lot to support homeless people in Bathurst over winter.
"We're always looking for blankets. There is a few homeless men living down by the river at the moment and so we need blankets," he said.
The op shop is open six days a week and can accept donations at any time.
For those who aren't able to donate winter items, Lt Cathcart said that small gestures can also help people who are struggling.
"If you have a heart of compassion and you see someone sleeping rough, you can buy them a cup of tea or coffee and maybe have a chat," she said.
"For someone who is sleepng rough, a free cup of tea or coffee in the middle of winter can go a long way."
She also encouraged people to approach the Uniting Safe Shelter (USS) if they were looking for other ways to support people.
USS will open for winter on Monday and there will be a working bee happening at the shelter, located at the back of the Bathurst Uniting Church hall, on Sunday.
People can come along from 2pm to assist with yard work, painting and cleaning.
