Zinnia’s Angels is calling on the community to help bring hope and comfort to vulnerable families, abused women and children, frail care residents, and schools affected by poverty through its urgent winter donation drive.

Zinnia’s Angels is once again stepping forward to support some of the most vulnerable members of the community through a series of humanitarian projects taking place over the next two months.

The organisation is preparing for several important outreach initiatives, including Father’s Day visits to Raceview Frail Care Alberton, support drives for severely ill and disabled children, care packages for rape survivors, and ongoing assistance for families facing poverty.

One of the first projects on the calendar is a Father’s Day outreach taking place on June 19 at Raceview Frail Care Alberton.

The organisation is asking community members to donate 25 matching items such as biltong packets, hankies, socks, or similar gifts that can be shared among residents.

Zinnia’s Angels is also supporting a children’s home that cares for severely ill and disabled children, with assistance from careworkers, auxiliary workers, professional workers, social workers, and pedagogic leaders who help ensure the children’s daily well-being.

The organisation is appealing for donations of special bibs, vegetables for soup preparation, purity, and other soft foods commonly eaten by the children.

Another urgent focus is supporting children who are victims of rape and abuse and who are required to appear in court. Zinnia’s Angels is collecting bags filled with comfort items to help make the difficult process slightly easier for the children.

The bags should include:

• Colouring books and crayons

• A small toy

• Facecloth and soap

• Toothbrush and toothpaste

• Wet wipes

• Snacks such as cookies, sweets, and cooldrink

The organisation is also collecting second-hand handbags for adult rape survivors. These bags will be filled with basic hygiene and comfort items, including sanitary pads, soap, hand cream, wet wipes, toothbrushes, toothpaste, roll-on deodorant, and facecloths.

Washable sanitary pads remain one of the organisation’s most needed items. Although a few women are currently making reusable pads, more donations are urgently needed for schools where poverty remains a major challenge.

Zinnia’s Angels says clothing remains a need, with requests for clothing donations for both boys and girls, from newborn babies to adults.

Household essentials such as kitchenware, bedding, towels, bathroom mats, and furniture are also needed.

Community members who would like to assist or donate can contact Zinnia Lee on 066 479 3235.