THE ‘Tins in Bins’ effort is continuing to work hard and keep the plight of less fortunate locals under a spotlight as one of the most generous times of the year approaches, despite facing its own hurdles.

Nearly six months since the first Casterton News report on the work going on to help those in need, Anthony Bolden estimated he had taken in at least 75 bins’ worth of food and supplies from Casterton Foodworks and Coleraine IGA since starting the effort up in March.

However, the hit taken to promotional efforts back in September has not been completely eradicated, with Mr Bolden still unable to access and post to the Tins in Bins Facebook page even after he was allowed to log back in to his personal account.

He had been suspended from Facebook after a post to a local Facebook group to promote the effort was reported.

Posting to other groups about the effort resumed under his personal account after its suspension lifted but he said he had avoided posting again to the group where he had originally been reported.

Although it has otherwise been smooth sailing with great results, issues such as inflation, the cost of living and the recent flood emergencies have kept the pressure on families in need.

Mr Bolden said further difficulties would be ongoing as a result of crop destruction caused by flooding elsewhere.

“That’s really exacerbating the price of fruit and vegetables,” he said.

“Everything’s just harder to get.”

But he also said regular contributors were making a difference as the Salvation Army, which takes in the donations, was managing to consistently supply families with a week’s worth of groceries each.

Encouragement to donate will continue as the festive season draws nearer, alongside other charitable causes to ensure everyone has a comfortable Christmas.

“Coming into the Christmas period, I think it’s really a special time … to be aware that there are families out there who need to eat every week,” Mr Bolden said.

He also said regular items such as soup tins and UHT milk were still “really important” but sanitary items, from shampoo to toothpaste and toothbrushes, were also necessary.