GEORGE TOWN: Beyond filling empty stomachs, some charitable groups go further by giving needy people a place to freshen up, find companionship and obtain everyday household essentials.
For 23 years, Lighthouse Feeding Centre in Jalan Penang has offered meals, shower facilities and a place to wash clothes, giving the homeless and elderly people living alone somewhere to spend time with others.
Administrative assistant Grace Barbara Westwood, 41, said the centre welcomed between 100 and 120 people daily, with its doors opening at 3pm.
“They can take a shower, wash their clothes and have tea at 3.30pm before dinner is served at 4.45pm.
“Some have nowhere to shower while others are elderly people living alone who come here to make friends.
“For many, it is not just about the food.
“They want someone to talk to and a place where they feel welcome.”
Westwood said about half of those visiting the centre were homeless, with most aged 60 and above.
The centre serves rice-based meals with dishes such as chicken and fish from Monday to Friday.
It relies entirely on donations to sustain its operations.
“We encourage them to wash their plates and help clean up after meals so they feel involved,” Westwood said.
At Lebuh Cannon, Penang Community Care takes a different approach by providing food and household essentials to about 100 needy people each month.
Its president Wendy Ang, 75, said the organisation, established in 2008, distributed items such as adult and baby diapers, toilet paper, shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes and laundry and dishwashing liquids.
“Food is our priority, but these household necessities are important too.”
Ang said supplies were replenished on a rotational basis, with different items provided every three months according to recipients’ needs.
She said regular recipients were contacted during the third week of each month to arrange collection.
“Some people come earlier because they urgently need help, and we try to assist them.
“Times are difficult, but I am optimistic that donations will continue coming in,” she said.
Those wishing to contribute food or household essentials can contact the organisation through its Facebook page.
