HUMANSDORP – A desire to give back to her community has inspired Nicole Moos from Humansdorp to launch several initiatives aimed at supporting women, matriculants and people in need.

Giving back through a sanitary drive

Moos, owner of In Time Decor By Nicole, recently started a sanitary drive on behalf of her business, with its first collection focusing on sanitary items for women.

“My desire for the drive is to give back to women, men and children, especially babies,” said Moos.

She hopes to eventually run the drive once a month, focusing on a different group each month.

Until she can host the drive monthly, Moos plans to collect donations by December for her next drive.

Items needed include soap, toothpaste, sanitary pads and roll-on deodorant, with the roll-on specifically intended for men.

Helping matriculants prepare for their farewell

Moos has also launched a matric farewell initiative to assist schools with their matric farewell needs.

She is currently working alongside teacher Margow Alexander at Patensie Agricultural School, where they are planning to host the school’s matric farewell on 2 October.

Moos said they currently need the following items: dresses, suits, shoes, makeup, nails, hair styling for both males and females, transportation, photographers and décor. In addition, she said they need donations to help pay for the learners’ food at the event.

“Any assistance will be appreciated,” said Moos. “I know that the matriculants will appreciate every single item donated and collected. That is what keeps me going, the fact that I get to make a difference in people’s lives.”

Supporting the Mandekas Soup Kitchen

Moos is also involved with The Mandekas Soup Kitchen in Donkerhoek in Humansdorp, where she donates 10% of all profits from her business and volunteers by helping prepare meals every Thursday.

The soup kitchen currently serves three areas, providing meals to more than 250 people once a week without any financial assistance.

For Moos, giving back is personal.

“It is important to me to give back because I know what it feels like to be out of options, needing a helping hand, and there’s no one. I know what it feels like to be unemployed and to start from scratch,” said Moos.

Seeing the difference her efforts make in people’s lives keeps her motivated.

“I personally get to see how happy the people of the soup kitchen are every week when we provide them with a meal,” said Moos.

She also saw the appreciation of the women of Donkerhoek when sanitary items were handed out during Women’s Month.

Recognised for uplifting her community

Moos was also recently nominated for the Kouga Municipality’s StrongHer International Award, an experience she described as “absolutely phenomenal”.

According to the municipality, the award recognises women who uplift and inspire their communities.

“I got to share my story with Kouga, and I met so many amazing women and also heard their touching stories,” said Moos. “It was such an honour to be the youngest nominee, and I hope my story reminds people that where you come from and the challenges you face shouldn’t limit you from reaching every milestone you set for yourself.”

For more information or to donate to sanitary items or matric farewell items, contact Moos via her personal Facebook page under Nicole Lauren Moos.

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