Winter is always a tough time for families struggling to make ends meet, but some of Wagga's most vulnerable are seeing some respite this winter.
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Wagga Vinnies council president Peter Burgess said while the organisation often assisted people who struggled to keep their heater on and afford power bills during the colder months, those receiving the increased JobSeeker payments through the coronavirus pandemic were not seeking as much help this season.
"I've been round talking to them ... a lot of them are taking that time or that benefit of paying off some of the debts they have and sort of getting ahead," Mr Burgess said.
"We do get requests for blankets and that but as for bills, they seem to be standing up alright at present and they're using the extra money they're getting from the government to catch up."
Demand remains this year for blankets and warm clothing, and Mr Burgess said the community had continued to step up to make sure donations were available.
"The schools and other organisations have come in quite strongly so that's been a big plus for us," he said.
"In terms of keeping people warm we're not doing too badly, and that's because of the generosity of a lot of people."
He said while physical donations were still flowing in, the pandemic remained a difficult time time for monetary donations.
"Raising money in this environment is not easy," he said.
With community groups including churches still only beginning to come back together, he said it was less likely people would donate without a face-to-face interaction.
"That personal approach in raising funds is a big thing."
Mr Burgess said while some of the people who regularly sought assistance from Vinnies had found themselves temporarily in a more comfortable position, the organisation continued to receive requests for assistance from people they had never seen before with newcomers currently making up about a quarter of the people coming to the organisation.
"People who have lived a better lifestyle if you like, who have never been out of work before, they're start to show up in the people we're seeing," he said.
He said while there were many who were still able to pay their bills, their situation could become more challenging as JobSeeker payments decrease later down the track.
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