Community Hours is calling on residents to help make a difference in the lives of underprivileged families by supporting its Mandela Weekend Community Pop-Up Donation Centre at Cedar Square.

The team will be collecting a wide range of donated items that will be distributed to carefully selected charities and community organisations supporting vulnerable people and animals across Johannesburg.

Community Hours founder Sarah Welton-Blake said the drive is about giving pre-loved items a second life while ensuring they reach people who need them most.

Read more: Winter donations bring warmth to Diepsloot families

“We’ve got a pop-up donation centre where everybody in the community is invited to donate items that are previously loved and gently worn. They may no longer be of any use to you, but they could definitely make a difference in somebody else’s life.”

Among the most-needed items are winter essentials, including blankets, beanies and scarves, as well as clothing for babies, children and adults.

The organisation is also collecting textbooks and reading books, non-perishable food, dignity packs, baby essentials, and pet food and supplies.

“Everybody needs a little bit of warmth during winter. We’re also collecting items for dogs and other animals because we often forget that they are affected by the cold weather, too.

She explained that every donation received will be distributed through Community Hours’ network of trusted charities, including many smaller organisations that often go unnoticed despite the important work they do.

“We have a database of organisations that we know are reputable and doing incredible work in communities.

Many of them are smaller charities that don’t receive large amounts of funding, yet they’re making a real difference every day. We believe it’s important to support people who support people, and people who support animals.”

Also read: Spur restaurant gives back to Dainfern community through Cansa initiative

Volunteer Tumi Phaka said he is proud to be part of an initiative that puts service before reward.

“I think it’s important to give back. There are a lot of skills that people have, and it’s valuable to use them, not for remuneration, but for a good cause. That’s why volunteering is important to me and why I chose to be here today.”

Phaka added that he had been encouraged by the generosity of residents.

“I’m excited to see what people have been bringing in. There are a lot of suits here that are still in really good condition, and I think they can be beneficial for people who need them.”

The donation drive continues on July 19, from 09:00 to 15:00 at Cedar Square.

Residents are encouraged to stop by with clothing, blankets, books, non-perishable food, dignity items, baby essentials and pet supplies to help bring warmth, dignity and hope to those in need while honouring Nelson Mandela’s legacy of service.

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