Reaching Out to a Community in Need

Your donations help families across Newcastle & Maitland

There are two ways you can help Reach help those in the community who are in need, and that is by donating funds or directly providing supplies that are included in our food and hygiene packs. To donate funds click here – all donations over $2.00 are tax-deductable.

The total cost of food alone for our weekly operation is around $600.00 and much of this is the provision of our food and hygiene packs. Food packages and hygiene supplies make a huge difference in the lives of our local Newcastle and Maitland residents who are struggling with homelessness, loneliness and making ends meet. They give provide basic needs and a sense of dignity, as well as acting as a connection point to the community. The size and frequency of the donation you make does not have to be grand in scale – small and consistent donations are what keeps Reach Homeless Service afloat.

You can purchase any of the products listed below and either deliver them personally on a Reach Friday or Saturday night BBQ, or you can contact us on 0403588302 to arrange the pick up of the supplies.

Donate now, make a difference today, love your Community

Food we can accept

  • Tinned Spaghetti - including ring pull opening
  • Tinned Baked Beans- including ring pull opening
  • Tinned Soups & Stews - including ring pull opening
  • Tubs of fruit - including peel-back tops
  • Muesli Bars & Protein bars
  • Long-life milk & long-life alternative milk products
  • Up & Go Breakfast drinks or similar long-life products
  • Packaged crackers, chips or biscuits
  • Bottled water - 600ml or smaller
  • Snack sized bags of nuts & dried fruit
  • Cheese & Crackers packs that do not require refridgeration
  • Tinned Salmon & Tuna - including ring pull opening
  • Tea Bags & Instant Coffee
  • Milo & Hot Chocolate

Supplies we can accept

  • Gift cards & Opal cards with loaded credit - these can be used to help clients get to appointments, buy phone credit to call loved ones and buy necessary personal medications, hygiene supplies or access to showering facilities
  • Clothing items - warm coats, weatherproof clothing, NEW socks & underwear, scarves, gloves, beanies, sun-protective hats, sunglasses in good condition
  • Toothpaste & Tooth brushes
  • Soap - Bars & Liquid Soap
  • Shampoo & Conditioner - small or travel size bottles
  • Deodorant & unexpired sunscreens
  • Brushes & Combs
  • Tissues - small packs
  • Personal hygiene supplies - pads, tampons, incontinence products
  • Antibacterial wet wipes & gel - small packs
  • Sleeping bags, swags, compact tents, back packs, duffel bags & umbrellas in good condition

Food we can't accept

For Food Safety and Accessibility reasons, some food items are not able to be accepted as regular donations. For special one-off donations, please contact us to enquire about your donation before delivering it to our team!
  • Tinned food that requires a can opener
  • Food items that require extra preparation, such as hot water or cooking
  • Fresh fruits & vegetables, unless specifically donated on a BBQ evening
  • Homemade food that requires cold storage or heating to be safely eaten
  • Food that has been partially used/ previously had it's pckaged opened
  • Food that has passed it's 'expiry date'. Food that has passed its 'best before date' is acceptable, as long as it is still in good condition.

Supplies we can't accept

Some donations aren't suitable for our clients, who often don't have reliable access to storage space and must be able to carry the majority of their belongings with them.
  • General clothing items - please see the types of clothing above that we CAN accept!
  • Extra large bottles of shampoo/conditioner/liquid soap
  • Personal hygiene products with opened or damaged packaging
  • Deodorant & unexpired sunscreens
  • Bulky/Heavy blankets or pillows