The community are being asked to consider donating to the cause, or nominating someone who could use a bit of help.

"We're delivering free fruit and veg boxes to people who may be struggling financially or working reduced hours at the moment," general manager Kylie Flament said.

"We're asking people to go to our website and donate a veg box or care package, which we will deliver to someone in need. People can also nominate someone they know who may benefit from a free care package, or four weeks of free fruit and veg boxes delivered to their door."

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Fruit and veg boxes are filled with organic produce from Green Connect's 11-acre permaculture farm in Warrawong and can be delivered direct to those in need.

The care packages have been put together by their op shop team and include second-hand warm clothes, blankets, cookware, books or toys and are packed in a COVID-safe way.

Green Connect has been working with other local organisations including SCARF, the Red Cross and Koori Men's Shed to identify those most in need.

Currently there have been 179 requests for help.

So far donations have come in for 136 care packages or produce boxes, but more are needed.

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Deliveries of care packages and fruit and veg boxes not only benefit those in the community, they also allow Green Connect to keep local staff employed.

"We are a not-for-profit social enterprise and most of our employees are young people and former refugees, many of whom are doing it tough themselves," Ms Flament said.

"A little bit of kindness goes a long way."

To donate a veg box or care package to someone in need in Wollongong or Shellharbour, or to buy one for yourself or a friend, go to https://green-connect.com.au/care-packages/

To nominate someone you know in Wollongong or Shellharbour to receive a free care package go to https://green-connect.com.au/op-shop/nominate-care-package/ (care package recipients will be decided by Green Connect after nominations are made).

To nominate someone you know in Wollongong or Shellharbour to receive a free veg box go to https://green-connect.com.au/fair-food/nominate-veg/ (veg box recipients will be decided by Green Connect after nominations are made).

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