COMMUNITY groups across the region have received a welcome boost from one of the state's leading charities.
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Representatives from regional charity Givit have been hitting the road and visiting with several community orgainisations such as Lions Clubs, Rotary and the CWA.
The charity has been handing out vouchers to locals in need, who in turn can use the vouchers to support local businesses.
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Givit's NSW manager Scott Barrett said communities from Tamworth to Lightning Ridge to Inverell all required different assistance.
"A lot of areas are still feeling the effects of the drought and while some places have had good rain, others have missed out," Mr Barrett said.
"On top of that, there are areas still recovering from last year's bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic has taken its toll on pretty much every community.
"When you combine all of those things it is a lot for people to deal with and it means each community requires different help."
Mr Barrett said Givit had provided assistance in a variety of ways to different communities.
"Throughout the past week or so, I have been meeting with different community groups to find out exactly what their needs are and how we can best help," he said.
"After those meetings, we'll then look to meet those needs with funds and items provided from our generous donors, who are aware of the struggles regional communities have been facing for the past few years.
"Everything we do is directed by the communities themselves.
"We might purchase vouchers for a community group to a local butcher or grocery store, school uniforms for a struggling family, or a heater for a couple doing it tough through the winter.
"It's up to local charities to tell us what's needed as they're on the ground and know their community best."
Since launching in 2018, Givit has co-ordinated the donation of more than 140,000 items across drought-affected regions.
"GIVIT looks to support local businesses wherever possible," Mr Barrett said.
"Where there's a need that can be met by a local supplier, we spend donated funds in that town.
"This way we're not only supporting people in need, but also local businesses who are the beating heart of regional communities."
The charity recently boosted Inverell locals in need by donating to groups such as Inverell Sunrise CWA, Rural Financial Counselling Service, Inverell Rotary and Rural Outreach and Support Services.
Givit regional drought support officer and Barraba local Melissa Bowman said the tours were not just about handing out donations, but encouraging more community groups to get involved with the charity.
"We now have 260 charities on board and I can't say anyone knocks you back when you tell them what our aim is," Mrs Bowman said,
"When myself and my colleague Scott Barrett come into the communities, we do our best to let them know what GIVIT is about and let them direct us."