IT'S a simple gesture, but handing out food to the disadvantaged people of West Wallsend gives George Ditz a sense of accomplishment.
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Mr Ditz is a volunteer at West Wallsend's Sugarvalley Neighbourhood Centre.
On Mondays and Fridays he distributes food under one of the centre's community assistance programs.
The food is supplied by Coles, under its SecondBite program, and food rescue charity Ozharvest.
About 30 people benefit from the handout every week, mostly pensioners and those living rough.
Mr Ditz said it brought him joy to help others.
"I know I'm helping those who need it most," he said.
"Ninety-nine per cent of them are really grateful."
In recognition of his volunteer work, one of the centre's community workers, Jacqui Bentley-Borg, nominated Mr Ditz and fellow volunteer Peter Brown for NSW Volunteer of the Year (adult category).
Mr Brown maintains the centre's grounds and looks after the chickens.
Ms Bentley-Borg said the pair deserved the nomination.
"They're just golden," she said.
"They come in and help and give their time and without them our job would be so much harder."
They are with two other Hunter award nominees: Cardiff's Isobel Baillie, with the Newcastle District Women's Bowling Association (excellence in volunteer management category), and Cessnock's Roz Holme, for her volunteering at Cedar Creek Wombat Rescue (adult category).
The NSW Volunteer of the Year awards are co-ordinated by The Centre for Volunteering in Sydney.
All nominees are invited to attend the awards ceremony in October, where the eight category winners will be announced.
