LIFE & STYLE
Quakers Hill locals spread kindness
one box at a time
Across NSW, neighbours are proving that a little kindness goes a long way, sharing fresh food, community spirit and genuine care through local, communitypowered grocery Hubs.
At the Quakers Hill Hub, led by local resident Cheryl Thomas, members regularly donate fruit, vegetables and pantry staples to create what’ s known as a Kindness Box. Once filled, the box is gifted to someone in need, whether it’ s a fellow Box Divvy member facing a difficult time or a family supported by Wesley Mission’ s Quakers Hill Family Centre.
“ Every Thursday when we do our pickups, I put out a reminder that if people can spare one or two items, it all helps,” Cheryl said.
“ We never expect it, but people always contribute and the box
A Kindness Box full with donated goods. ends up full and heavy. It’ s a simple thing that really brings people together.”
Now in its third year, Cheryl’ s Hub has grown to around 60 members from suburbs including Quakers Hill, Grantham Farm, Riverstone, Marayong, Blacktown
and Woodcroft. Like all Box Divvy Hubs, it operates through a shared ordering system that enables neighbours to access fresh, seasonal groceries and pantry items, typically around 30 per cent cheaper than supermarkets, while supporting Australian farmers and suppliers through fair, transparent pricing.
Independent research by Western Sydney University and the University of Wollongong found that joining Box Divvy significantly boosts household food security, with members reporting a drop in food insecurity from 51 per cent to 28 per cent. The findings underline the value of community-based food models that not only make fresh food more accessible but also build stronger neighbourhood connections.
Box Divvy co-founder
Jayne Travers-Drapes said the Kindness Box is a perfect example of the initiative’ s purpose in action.
“ Box Divvy was built around the idea of neighbours meeting neighbours, not just to share affordable, good food, but also to look out for one another,” Jayne said.
“ What Cheryl and her members are doing in Quakers Hill shows how purposeful the model can be in strengthening local networks and supporting people in real, practical ways.”
For Cheryl, the weekly ritual highlights the generosity and unity of her community.
“ It’ s lovely to see people thinking of others while they’ re collecting their own food,” she said.“ It reminds us how connected we are as a community, and how food is one of the simplest ways to show you care.”
ABOUT BOX DIVVY Box Divvy is a community-powered grocery network connecting neighbours with fresh, affordable produce and pantry items. Originating from the Western Sydney Diabetes Alliance, Box Divvy now supports more than 15,000 members across NSW, ACT and Victoria through more than 330 local Hubs. Members typically save around 30
Cheryl Thomas leads the Quakers Hill hub.
per cent compared to supermarkets while reducing food waste and supporting Australian farmers and suppliers.
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