Great start to new year

Donations being given to Umina Beach Public School

Students and families of two Peninsula schools had a great start to the new year, thanks to a huge community collaboration which saw supplies and uniform items donated to Woy Woy Public School and Umina Beach Public School late last year.

The donation was a combined effort from Woy Woy CWA and local café owner Diane Schwarzl.

Schwarzl, owner of Café DMR in Deepwater Plaza, had made and sold masks during the pandemic raising $1650, which was then donated to Umina SLSC and Woy Woy CWA.

Woy Woy CWA President Jane Bowtell said the donated money stayed on the Peninsula and helped local primary school children in need.

Bowtell said the generous donation enabled the CWA to purchase backpacks, coloured pencils, pens, textas, rulers, uniform items, drink bottles and lunch boxes.

“These packs will be provided to local children who may not be able to access school supplies, or their families cannot afford to purchase them,” Bowtell said.

“With many Coasties struggling due to the economic impacts of COVID-19, this is just one way we are able to help those in our community who need it most.”

Schwarzl said she had chosen to donate the money to Woy Woy CWA because of its dedication and continued effort within the Peninsula community.

“I know they help kids and do a lot of community work,” Schwarzl said.

“I wanted to give back; the people who bought the masks are from the Peninsula, so I thought it was only fitting to put the money back into the community.”

Hayley McMahon