Inala Family Support Centre recently received a generous donation from Heritage Bank Forest Lake in the form of a new outdoor table, enhancing the facilities available to those in need.
Patricia Roberts, Membership and Development Officer at St Vincent de Paul Society QLD, expressed gratitude for the contribution.
“We are very grateful for the donation that benefits the community in need,” she said.
The Inala Family Support Centre serves as a vital resource for the local community, operating as a drop-in centre where individuals facing various challenges can seek assistance without appointments.
Patricia elaborated on the centre’s services, highlighting its role in providing support for food, financial aid, rent assistance, bill payments, and education expenses, including uniforms and laptops for school-going children.
On any given day, the centre caters to approximately 20 individuals dealing with a range of issues.
One of the core services offered is the provision of food items from the pantry.
“The pantry is an awesome initiative where we have food donated from many different businesses and organisations,” she said.
“Visitors can come in and select the items of their preference, which fosters a sense of empowerment.”
Volunteers, including members from the local parish and student placements from Queensland TAFE, play a crucial role in the centre’s operations.
These dedicated individuals help maintain the pantry and ensure its replenishment, primarily with non-perishable items suitable for individuals without access to cooking facilities.
The donated outdoor table serves as a significant addition to the centre’s amenities, providing a comfortable space for visitors to wait before their appointments or to enjoy their meals.
“The new table is important for our visitors, who previously had to sit on the grass and wait for their appointments, if we were too overcrowded,” Patricia said.
“The new table offers a more welcoming environment for everyone.”