The Eastern Emergency Relief Network is calling on residents to donate clean blankets and continental quilts in good condition.

With its supplies running dangerously low, spokeswoman Pam O'Donnell-Parris is urging residents to lend a hand.

"We have run out of blankets and Doonas, so if people come in looking for a bed, we don't have a blanket and Doona to go with it. We need the extra blankets with the cold temperature."

She said the group had been forced to buy blankets to meet the growing demand. "It's just to tide us over with the minimum number we need. We're hoping donations will come in and people will respond to the appeal."

Mrs O'Donnell-Parris said the group had limited funds. "We have to spend it wisely. We've got truck maintenance, insurance costs and warehouse expenses to pay."

Run by volunteers, the charity provides furniture and whitegoods to welfare agencies such as the Uniting Church, Harrison and the Migrant Information Centre to pass on to their clients.

Mrs O'Donnell-Parris said the people who needed help came from diverse backgrounds. "There are hundreds of reasons why people are poor."

As well as blankets and continental quilts, the network is looking for refrigerators and washing machines. Clean blankets and continental quilts can be dropped off at factory 1, 10-12 Thornton Crescent, Mitcham.

Details: 98748433.