The grassroots charity was given some space in Taminda when time was up at its temporary digs in a Tamworth CBD premises.

And with Christmas is approaching “in a rush”, the volunteers’ aim is to finish setting up their food pantry and make sure “Santa will be coming” this year.

The group is now located in the North West Direct Sales building in Kingsford Smith Street.

Organiser Sue-Ellen Wilkin said the offer “came at a really good time” and the new venue was “perfect”, with airconditioning, soft furnishings and other creature comforts.

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“We have our own separate office where can take farmers in to make them tea or coffee, sit down and have a chat,” she said.

The office is also where people can obtain advice and help with drought assistance applications from a volunteer, accountant Wyn Trost.

Until recently, Ms Trost had been working from a pile of dog-food bags.

“She’s missing it, though – she’s missing it,” Ms Wilkin said, laughing.

She said the group’s attention was turning to Christmas and the new school year, and what people’s needs might be then.

“We’re going to put a separate list aside for our farmers where we will contact them all, and work out what they need as opposed to what we think they need,” she said.

She’s asking people to donate “any Christmassy items”, including food, gifts and Visa gift cards.

She said the last thing she wanted to see was a child miss out on Christmas joy – “so, yes, Santa will be coming”.

School supplies such as pens, pencils and exercise books would also be welcome.

“I remember spending $70 per child on mine; that would be awesome if people could start thinking about that,” she said.