In December almost 100 vehicles left the Central Coast loaded with personalised hampers, water and children's presents to help drought-stricken families out west.
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The Coasties Drought Aid was established by Melissa Turner 18 months ago to help and support rural communities in NSW effected by the drought and more recently bush fires.
After discussing the initiative on their local radio, in a just weeks their Facebook members grew from 700 to 4500 followers.
Helping coordinate the drive was Katie Vangelder from the Central Coast and Susan Bradley from Narromine.
Ms Vangelder said her father's side come from Narromine and Trangie and mother's side are based in Nyngan and the pair began making contact with local organisations and church groups in the communities.
"Our hampers are done differently to general Christmas hampers, our focus is on tailoring it to the recipient and making it more personal," she said.
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"We do this by working closely with contacts in these areas by obtaining first names and approximate ages of the adults and children."
"Once we have a list, a family or group from the central coast will put their hand up and select a family they would like to put a hamper together for."
Ms Vangelder said they encouraged people to purchase pre-paid visas so people can spend within the community, and for an added personal touch people put letters of support and some information about who they are.
After leaving Narromine and Trangie the convoy arrived at St Joseph's in Nyngan on December 8 delivering 53 hampers for drought-stricken families.
"We received a lovely reception there and again the packages where off the truck in no time," Ms Vangelder said.
"A huge thanks to Sharon Grimmond and her crew for helping unload and Vivienn Pateman for your behind the scenes work."
Ms Vangelder said the Coasties Drought Drive team were in awe of how the coast and the country have worked together, and said they would continue to support the drought-affected families in the central west for as long as the need is there.
"Hopefully it reduces some of the financial stress to rural communities, as well as generate much needed income for local businesses at the same time," she said.
"We have received some beautiful emails and a video of the children to say thanks."
For more visit the Coasites Drought Drive Facebook.
Zaarkacha Marlan
Court and crime reporter at the Daily Liberal. Formerly the sole journalist for the Nyngan Observer, Narromine News and Trangie Advocate.
Court and crime reporter at the Daily Liberal. Formerly the sole journalist for the Nyngan Observer, Narromine News and Trangie Advocate.
