Share the warmth in Queanbeyan this winter

Riverside Plaza launched their 'Share the Warmth' campaign this week and is accepting donations of warm clothing and blankets.

These items will be donated and shared among local charities including St Vinnies, the Salvos Store and Anglicare.

Residents can place their items in donation bins around Riverside Plaza shopping centre or alternatively they will be given a gift card in exchange for a bag of winter woollies donations on specific 'trade-in days'.

"Last year we ran our [campaign] a little bit later in July and we would've had at least 80 garbage bags worth and that was through the donation bins," marketing manager Heidi Flaherty said.

"We're expecting a lot more this year. People now recognise it and being May, it's the perfect time to rummage through the wardrobe and there's always something."

Frank Bassil is the president of St Vinnies Canberra/Goulburn Region and said he was grateful for any donations to their annual Winter Appeal.

He said the demand for assistance has remained consistent with Vinnies providing more than $55,000 in direct assistance over the past seven months in Queanbeyan.

"We're seeking firstly financial help from people to raise the money we need to support the people within our own community," he said. "We're hoping to raise over $300,000 which is what we raised last year."

Mr Bassil said with the chill coming early this year, winter items had been 'flying off the shelves' and was grateful for donations to replenish stocks.

"We'd be enormously grateful because people who are in difficult circumstances can get the stuff very cheaply or if they're in a crisis, we'll give it to them for nothing. The rest of the things we receive we sell so that's another way to support them," he said.

"We're really grateful for all the help we get from the local community. I think one thing that's fair to say is in country towns like Queanbeyan people have a great sense of community and want to be part of helping people in their own community."

Riverside Plaza 'Share the Warmth' trade-in days will be held on May 20, 23, 28 and June 5. Donate winter woollies anytime by placing it in the donation bins at the shopping centre or directly to St Vinnies, Anglicare and the Salvos Store.