A BENDIGO business is helping collect much-needed supplies for people who are struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Bendigo Toyota usually collects food donations each April to support Bendigo Foodshare.
But with the COVID-19 pandemic restricting the way people can interact, the business had to be creative in the way it helped out the organisation.
"We wanted to come up with a way to collect donations in a safe and easy way," Bendigo Toyota marketing manager Gabrielle Richards said.
"We know locals want to help out and display their generosity, and Bendigo Foodbank relies on the donations of the general public."
To keep people safe, Bendigo Toyota will be hosting a drive through donation drop off day on Friday, May 1 between 8.30am and 5.30pm.
People are encouraged to place their donations in a bag in the boot of their car.
When they drive to the Epsom store, staff in protective gear will be able to grab the items from the boot and place them directly into Bendigo Foodshare's donation tubs.
Miss Richards said it would be different from previous years, where staff would go to local supermarkets and collect directly from shoppers throughout April.
Last year, the business collected food worth more than $6000 for the Bendigo organisation.
While some may be concerned about venturing outside, Miss Richards said the business had cleared the new collection method with Bendigo Police, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the COVID-19 hotline.
"I checked with as many people as I possibly could," she said.
"As long as people don't congregate and keep moving through, it will be great."
Miss Richards said Bendigo Foodshare was looking for non-perishable items and pet food.
"We've seen first-hand how generous people in Bendigo are and we just wanted to give them an opportunity to donate in a safe and easy environment," she said.
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