On Thursday, February 4, community group representatives were handed cheques by the shop's volunteers.

First to receive financial support was the Gloucester Thunderbolts Swim Club to help with the annual Picnic Swim Carnival Day. Mark Edwards represented the club, thanking the shop for its generous support for the event that sees swimmers attend from other clubs from Kempsey to Newcastle.

It was Gloucester High School's lucky day, receiving two cheques.

The first one went to the library to help purchase new literary textbooks for special needs class and the second went to the P&C committee to help offset the cost of new hats.

Steve Bignell attended the event representing the P&C, thanking the shop for the support.

"It's for sun-safe hats to sell in the canteen. They've been designed by the students," Steve smiled.

He explained how the funds will help subsidise the cost to keep the purchase price for the students low.

The recently named Gloucester Citizen of the Year, volunteer and co-founder of the Gloucester Community Shop, Di Relf took a moment to say thank for everyone who sent her well wishes and congratulations for the award.

"Thank you to all the volunteers every where. Without people giving of their own time, small country towns are forgotten," Di said. "You are the backbone of all organisations."

Gloucester Community Shop returns its profits to the community to support community-based organisations, service and sporting clubs.

For more information, visit the shop at 41 King Street.