MUSWELLBROOK'S community spirit has come to the fore for many things in recent times.
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Firstly, there was a plethora of support for farmers due to the drought conditions, then assistance for our local NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) brigades who just wrapped up a horrific bushfire season.
Now, everyone is banding together - in a variety of ways - to face the ever-changing landscape caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
And, on this occasion, Upper Hunter Youth Services Inc's (UHYS) received some much-welcomed aid.
The hard-working members are keen to ensure youngsters in the shire enjoy Easter as best they can.
So, enter the organisation's saviour, the Muswellbrook RSL Club, who has provided numerous gift packs and chocolate eggs.
"It's an extremely kind donation - and such a beautiful gesture," UHYS manager Lee-Anne McPhee said.
"We can't thank Daryl Egan and Barry Eveleigh enough.
"Now, we can drop off the goodies to those families at their home just in time for Easter.
"We'll give them a heads up [that it's arriving] over the next few days.
"At the moment, we've got 20 to 30 youth signing in, while we're all in hibernation.
"And, as we rely heavily on donations, it was a lovely thing for the [Muswellbrook] RSL Club to do."
Ms McPhee said Upper Hunter Youth Services was still operating and taking referrals.
"We've been deemed an essential service [by the government]," she explained.
"So, we are continuing to engage with the kids via the phone, although the contact is on a different level to what we're used to.
"We're also offering FaceTime to help those [at home] who are struggling with areas such as literacy or numeracy.
"Soon, we'll coordinate some craft packages and get them sent out, too.
"We're trying to keep things as normal as possible."
Only last month Upper Hunter Youth Services greeted the news, from Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen, that it had secured a hefty windfall from the NSW Government's Stronger Country Communities Fund.
The $500,000 will go towards a purpose-built centre in town, which is expected to be located on Rutherford Road.
