Santa’s helpers packing and wrapping gift boxes for the annual Keith’s Closet Shoebox Appeal. Photos: Keith’s Closet.
Christmas can be a tough time for people struggling with mental health issues, but this year, those in the Illawarra won’t be forgotten.
A charity new to the Illawarra, Keith’s Closet, is working with the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District to distribute hundreds of gift-wrapped shoeboxes full of goodies and care items to people accessing mental health services both in hospital and in the community, many of whom may be socially isolated.
Keith’s Closet is a not-for-profit charity that provides clothing and accessories to vulnerable individuals through walk-in wardrobe facilities in public hospitals, supporting those recovering from severe mental health challenges or mental illness.
Mental health clinical nurse specialist Keith Donnelly started the service at the Prince of Wales Hospital in 2019 after recognising that patients accessing mental health services often arrived at hospital with limited clothing and toiletries.
This will be the fourth Keith’s Closet Shoebox Appeal, and the first for Illawarra consumers.
The shoeboxes contain gifts and practical items.
The community was invited to donate a single shoebox wrapped in Christmas paper and filled with gifts and practical items, such as a toothbrush, shampoo and sunglasses, along with a handwritten Christmas message of encouragement and kindness.
“I am humbled by the volume of people who made the effort to purchase, pack, wrap and donate to the shoebox appeal this Christmas,” Keith said.
“Christmas can be a really tough time for people struggling with their mental health.
“These shoeboxes are a way to reach out to those who might be lonely or isolated at this time of year.”
Keith Donnelly (second from left) and helpers with gift shoeboxes.
Keira MP and Health Minister Ryan Park welcomed the initiative for Illawarra residents.
“Christmas brings a lot of joy for many of us in the community, but it is important to remember that some people may be alone at this time of year,” Mr Park said.
“The generosity of the community will have a powerful impact on mental health consumers who might otherwise receive nothing at Christmas.
“I am so proud to be part of a community that cares and steps up and helps others.
“The Mental Health team in the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District are excited to be working with Keith’s Closet on the shoebox appeal and are looking forward to Keith delivering the shoeboxes. Thank you to all those people that volunteered or donated to make these wonderful gifts possible.”
Visit Keith’s Closet for more information.
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