The support service has launched a public appeal for financial donations to purchase 'Oodies' for children in need.

TFSS CEO Belinda Kotris said the hooded, fleeced blankets would help keep those living in homes without proper heating, warm.

"Being warm is not just a feeling, but a sense of survival," Ms Kotris said.

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"We want to make sure that children in poverty can escape the biting cold this winter."

Ms Kotris said there were hundreds of families across the New England Northwest region living below the poverty line.

"A lot of the families that we're working with are struggling to pay bills, they're struggling to buy food," she said.

"We had someone last week that couldn't afford shoes."

And with the cost of living on the rise, switching on the heater isn't an option for everyone.

"A lot of the housing is often not headed, inappropriately heated or it's too costly," Ms Kotris said.

And the situation could get worse with the ongoing housing crisis exacerbated by Tamworth's recent country music festival.

"When there's any major event on in any town, it unfortunately does tend to push out a lot of the people that we work with," Ms Kotris said.

"Places for temporary accommodation or emergency accommodation, outside of our existing refuges is impossible to get or very, very expensive."

With overnight temperatures in the New England Northwest region reaching lows of two degrees, it is hoped the Oodies will provide comfort and warmth with flannel fleece on the outside of the wearable blanket and sherpa fleece inside.

"We thought of the idea of handing out Oodies, that way we can ensure that children are kept warm without the added cost for families of running heaters," Ms Kotris said.

TFSS is aiming to raise $20,000 to purchase 400 Oodies, which will be distributed to children in need across the region.

Ms Kotris said that while the appeal was about providing warmth, it was also to send a message of support.

"Being warm is not just about whether you're hot or cold, it's actually a feeling of belonging," she said.

"For us, it's to be able to donate them, find these kids to wrap up in warmth and feel the love of the community around them."

For more information or to donate to the appeal click here.

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