WITH overnight temperatures already plunging to as low as one degree, and set to fall further, it's time to start thinking about the people doing it tough.
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Over winter, the homeless or disadvantaged turn to charity stores to find things that can keep them warm when the temperatures fall.
The COVID-19 crisis, as well as increased demand for help, has left local stores low on stock and they are calling on the community to give generously, as they always do, to help fill the shelves.
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The Salvation Army Family Store is one of those places that could use some help.
Manager Steve Barrott said the store had only just reopened, on May 20, after a seven-week closure.
Already, people in need are coming in looking for items to help in winter.
Mr Barrott said the store has run out of blankets and it also needs winter coats.
"The stuff we've got on the shelves at the moment, tat won't last very long," he said.
Furniture is also in high demand.
"We've had people now looking for furniture, cupboards and we just don't have it," Mr Barrott said.
He said Bathurst has always been very generous and he is thankful for that.
Donations can be dropped off at the Keppel Street store or call 6331 3970 to arrange for items to be picked up.
Mr Barrott looks forward to providing assistance to those in need.
"People have been coming down wanting help and we haven't been able to do that, but now we're open again we can," he said.
Also committed to help those doing it tough is the Bathurst Community Op Shop in Kelso, which reopened two weeks ago.
Mayor Bobby Bourke, who helps run the op shop, said donations of blankets and doonas are needed at the moment.
Donations can be dropped off at the shop.
The op shop is also providing support in other ways, including offering a washing machine for homeless people to clean their clothes.
It has also reopened its food van two nights a week to provide meals to people who are disadvantaged, which adds to similar meal services from the Uniting Safe Shelter café and the Hope church.
"The homeless are now getting at least four to five nights a week of good tucker," Cr Bourke said.
The op shop is also planning another $1 sale for Saturday, June 6, which will be full of bargains.
