Mother Hubbard's Cupboard
MOTHER HUBBARD’S CUPBOARD - THE STORY UNFOLDING ....
Our Motto: "Filling what's empty" 
Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard commenced with an idea which blossomed into reality in May 2008. The aim was to reach out in new and practical ways towards the needs in our community. Our vision was clear and simple: To be aware of the needs in our local community and beyond and as appropriate to respond in practical and/or monetary ways.
We commenced by taking what we already had and no longer needed, bringing it to a central location where people were able to come and donate for those goods. Everyone wins! The donors clean out their cupboards, the community find inexpensive bargains, and the money raised was distributed to community needs. “Filling what’s empty” aptly described the process.
As a church we had been supporting Chisholm, a ministry of Baptist Community Services, and this enabled increase to simply supplying toiletries, to newly made patchwork quilts, sheets, towels, knitted goods, toys and outdoor equipment, and monetary gift vouchers. The needs of Darcy House were then embraced as we supported their work to homeless men and women with clothing, meals, books, accommodation starter packs and Christmas gift boxes. The work of Fusion became known and we helped furnish the establishment needs of Jasmine House, a ministry to women and children of domestic violence. This was by providing goods such as fridge, wall-mounted TV, kitchen servery opening, communal outdoor BBQ area, funding mother’s groups and courses which offer life-changing opportunities. Groups of girls and children were brought over to Camden and learned to sew, leaving with finished items and eventually we donated sewing machines for ongoing use. Along with these came our personal gift of patchwork quilts, sheets, towels and knitted goods so the mothers and children knew somebody cared.
We commenced by taking what we already had and no longer needed, bringing it to a central location where people were able to come and donate for those goods. Everyone wins! The donors clean out their cupboards, the community find inexpensive bargains, and the money raised was distributed to community needs. “Filling what’s empty” aptly described the process.
As a church we had been supporting Chisholm, a ministry of Baptist Community Services, and this enabled increase to simply supplying toiletries, to newly made patchwork quilts, sheets, towels, knitted goods, toys and outdoor equipment, and monetary gift vouchers. The needs of Darcy House were then embraced as we supported their work to homeless men and women with clothing, meals, books, accommodation starter packs and Christmas gift boxes. The work of Fusion became known and we helped furnish the establishment needs of Jasmine House, a ministry to women and children of domestic violence. This was by providing goods such as fridge, wall-mounted TV, kitchen servery opening, communal outdoor BBQ area, funding mother’s groups and courses which offer life-changing opportunities. Groups of girls and children were brought over to Camden and learned to sew, leaving with finished items and eventually we donated sewing machines for ongoing use. Along with these came our personal gift of patchwork quilts, sheets, towels and knitted goods so the mothers and children knew somebody cared.
This ministry of making patchwork quilts was established at the same time to also embrace these needs, and Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard would provide funds for that ministry over and above the donations received. Both of these ideas have flourished and flowed together, unfolding as hands and hearts unite in the cause.
We rely solely on volunteers and many have offered help in a variety of ways. We have volunteers now from the community joining us. As well as finding bargains the community can find a place to pause to enjoy a cuppa and maybe a chat, and be refreshed in their life’s journey.
Any need associated with mothers and children of domestic violence or homeless people stirred our hearts with compassion. We are committed to doing our part in whatever way we can to help.
Items available: men's women's & children's clothing, shoes, bags, china, bric-a-brac, kitchenware, linen, toys, games, jigsaws, books (novels and Christian), videos, some smaller furniture items. Plus free cuppa and biscuit.
OPENING HOURS - currently
Wednesday 10am - 3pm
Thursday 10am - 3pm
Friday 10am - 3pm
Saturday 9am - 12 noon
Contact Val Stewart (02 4655 9057, 0432 373 573) or Jenny Evans (02 4647 0812).
