AMillicent outreach service has begun 2023 with a major cash donation to further assist those in need.

For almost 18 months, Millicent Shares a Plate volunteers have come together each Thursday at the Millicent RSL Hall to cook up to 60 free takeaway meals for the needy.

The organisational side of their charitable work will soon be assisted with the purchase of containers, a storage cupboard, a freezer and a refrigerator.

The purchases have been made possible by a $1500 donation from Millicent couple Angus and Julie McDonald who own and operate the Mac Ford vehicle dealership.

Millicent Shares a Plate spokesperson Emma Clay said her group was grateful for the support of the McDonalds and many others.

“We have also had a visit from the school captains of Millicent North Primary School who raised $200 for Millicent Shares a Plate by staging a casual clothes day,” Ms Clay said.

“When we began in August 2021, we were cooking 20 free meals per week and this number is now up to 60.

“On Christmas Eve, we cooked up 50 serves of special roast meals with chicken, ham and vegetables.

“There was enough to feed two people and we also gave out hampers free-of-charge with goodies from our base at the Millicent RSL Hall.

“The hampers were left over from the Millicent Community Christmas Appeal.

“Each hamper had a Christmas pudding and tissue products donated by the KCA Millicent Mill.”

Ms Clay explained the Christmas Eve roast meals and hamper giveaways were in lieu of a community lunch on Christmas Day.

This event in 2021 had attracted a low attendance.