Central Coast children’s charity We Care Connect has launched its 2023 Back to School campaign and is asking the community to help local vulnerable families by giving them the best possible start to school this year.
“With the financial impact of Christmas still lingering, many families struggle to provide their children with the Back-to-School basics they need,” a spokesperson said.
“From pencil cases to drink bottles, uniforms, backpacks, socks and shoes – the list of things to buy can seem endless and relentless.
“In 2022, 426 Back to School packs were distributed to families in need through the We Care Connect program.
“With the help of the community, packs of backpacks, lunch boxes, drink bottles, stationery items and workbooks were distributed including essential scientific calculators and USB sticks for high school students.
“In 2023, we anticipate the need will be even greater; the rising cost of living is putting families who are already struggling under even more financial stress.”
We Care Connect team member Helen Barkers said the start of a new school year should be an exciting time for children but for families living in poverty, it’s often a time of great stress.
“For families watching every cent, the return to school is a huge expense – the uniform, the school bag, the shoes, the books and stationery,” she said.
“Over the next two weeks, we are asking for donations of these Back to School essentials so we can reduce the burden for families doing it tough.”
Thanks to funding from the Wyong Rugby Leagues Club ClubGrants program, We Care Connect buys new items to support the Back to School appeal.
However there are always more requests for Back to School support than the funding provides, so We Care Connect relies on the community for additional financial and Back to School donations so it can provide every family who asks for support with Back to School items.
Last year over $15,000 worth of new Back to School items were provided to families in need.
From Monday, January 9, to Friday, January 20, the community can take Back to School donations to the following locations: Avoca Beach Bowling Club; Bateau Bay Bowling Club’ and Wyong Rugby Leagues Club – Kanwal.
Those who prefer online shopping can send items directly to We Care Connect C/O WRLCG, 40 Lake Haven Dr, Kanwal, NSW 2259.
Families with school-aged children who received the $150 Premier’s NSW School vouchers are being asked if they can spare one of their vouchers to purchase any of the Back to School essentials and donate them to the drop offs listed above, or buy online and send to the Kanwal address.
We Care Connect operates through a professional network of case workers and support agencies who work directly with disadvantaged families.
Families receiving the Back-to-School packs say it’s great that the kids can go back to school having the same supplies as their classmates.
Source:
Media release, Jan 6
We Care Connect