This page is primarily for the Free shop and pantry at Awaba park next to Hamilton train station. However it has been recently updated to include other free shops in the newcastle area. There are no conditions on who can take items from the shop/pantry. Nobody will ask you if you 'really' need it. The only rules are: give what you can, take what you need. We'd love it if people donated regularly,
as part of their routine. Things you can donate:
PANTRY:
Dried and canned goods, things in sealed packages, fresh food which is appropriately stored, bottled water and other drinks, snacks, chocolate, treats, etc. Pet food eg cans or kibble of cat or dog food. Things that are close to use-by or just past use by are fine if you can tell they are ok. Mouldy/off things are not ok
PLEASE DO NOT DONATE:
Opened bags/containers etc of anything eg rice/flour etc. Anything rotten, mouldy etc., if you don't want to eat it, nobody else will either, just put it in the bin. Loose items eg lollies not in bags etc. FREE SHOP:
Clothing and other items in good, clean condition. Gently worn is fine, holes and stains are not. If you wouldn't pass it on to a good friend, don't donate it. Jumpers, jackets, blankets, bedding, sleeping bags etc are always wanted. Bags, backpacks, and other ways of carrying things around are in hot demand. Hygiene items --- all must be NEW and unopened/sealed --- :
Tampons, pads, and other menstrual items,
Toothbrushes, toothpaste and other dental care items (new/sealed only please)
Deodorant, soap, shampoo, conditioner, etc. Sunscreen, hand sanitiser
Children's and babies clothing of all kinds. Nappies and other baby care items (again, new please)
Shoes, hats etc. PLEASE DON'T DONATE:
Books, magazines etc, They tend not to be taken by anyone and end up needing to be disposed of. They also are very prone to getting wet and soggy. Anything unsafe, inappropriate for all ages, or too worn/stained to be useful. FREE SHOP LOCATIONS
Hamilton train station https://goo.gl/maps/RjmLtkVewPh7SNbo8
Wickham Park
https://maps.app.goo.gl/cskKG9tArZc91avN8
Hamilton South - Glebe rd https://goo.gl/maps/tAT2VKC1MhY7sYAw7
Newcastle West - Hunter community environment centre
https://maps.app.goo.gl/GC9TVBmaS95Y6AXc8
Stockton
https://www.facebook.com/KindnessAmbassadorsOfficial/
Thornton - pedestrian bridge near Thornton train station
https://goo.gl/maps/gzZa1rbHQehc7X1j8
