BELINDA Hassen has seen firsthand Mackay's homeless suffer from winter's chill.

This week Mackay experienced a cold snap, imagine what it would have felt like if you were sleeping outside with no blankets.

It's this reality that prompted Ms Hassen from Mackay Funerals and Chris Ashmore from City Funeral Services to join forces again and collected blankets for people in need.

Ms Hassen said last year they had personally delivered blankets to homeless people by the Pioneer River after being alerted to people in destitute situations.

"We left the blankets in a trolley and let people take them," she explained.

It was this firsthand experience that showed Ms Hassen and Mr Ashmore that there was a demand for winter goods.

They said last year's donations had been welcomed with some generous people donating new blankets.

"Some people also donated sheets, towels, sleeping bags and food," Mr Ashmore said.

With this week's cold weather a timely reminder, Mackay Funerals and City Funeral Services is calling on the community to show their support for those sleeping rough by donating their spare blankets.

A major community initiative, the blanket appeal is partnering with the Mackay Drop In Centre to encourage people to warm up the streets this winter.

Ms Hassan said the blanket appeal was a great way to raise awareness of the plight of homelessness.

"As the nights get colder during the harsh winter months, it's important to remember the many disadvantaged and homeless Australians living without the winter essentials," she explained.

"A staple in many linen closets and beds across Australia, having a comfortable and cosy blanket to keep you warm at night can be a luxury many people are unable to afford."

Funeral services will be collecting blankets until the end of July with all donations being distributed the Mackay Drop In Centre to those in the community feeling the cold this winter.

Mackay Funerals and City Funerals Services will also be matching all donations blanket for blanket.

According to Homelessness Australia 1 in 200 Australians sleep rough each night while in 2015 there were around 105,237 homeless people in Australia. Nearly 20,000 of these were children under the age of 10.

Alison Jones from the Mackay Drop In Centre said with so many men, women, families, and children in need of support, every little bit counts.

"Whether it be new or old, donating a clean spare blanket can make the world of difference to someone in need."

For more contact 49574653 or 49573248.