Angels Community Group is ensuring no student is left out as they help hundreds of families across the Bundaberg Region get their kids back to school.
Angels Community Group executive officer Sue Tasker said this time of year put extra pressure on many families, as they scrimped and scraped after Christmas to tick off back to school lists, and Angels Back to School Assistance Program helped take some of the pressure off them.
This year Angels Back to School Assistance Program has 237 names on it, with a list of families waiting in reserve for help.
The program relies on donations from the community to ensure all students have adequate school material.
“That’s at least 237 backpacks full of stationery and school items, with each costing around $50, so we are looking at a $12,000 program,” Sue said.
“I am a big believer in education. Angels Back to School Assistance Program has been around for a few years and it helps take the pressure off local families.
“The backpacks are age and grade specific with items required for student’s education.
“It helps children start the school year without a stigma attached to them, it allows them to be the same as their peers, which I think is very important.”
On Wednesday, Sue said they had a total of 15 bags ready for the 200 plus students and it looked a little grim but after a call out of social media local business Stroud Homes stepped in to help.
“We were starting to get extremely concerned of how we were going to do them all, then Aletha walked in the door with an amazing lot of donations,” Sue said.
“I know we still have a long way to go, but these donations were the morale boost we needed and a great start!
“I know we will make it happen now, and I slept a little better last night because of it.”
Businesses help Angels get kids back to school
Sue said the Angels Back to School Assistance Program catered to students across the Bundaberg Region, and this year many families from Childers had requested assistance.
“We are all neighbours, and it’s important to remember that,” she said.
“The donations from Stroud Homes, and other businesses like Central Highlands Fabrications who consistently donate to us, are very welcome, but it’s important to remember even the smallest donation is important.
“For those people who can donate a packet of crayons or $10, it is just as valued to us than the big donations.”
To assist this year’s Angels Back to School Assistance Program stop in at Angels Community Group at 45a Walla Street, Bundaberg, or phone 4100 2715.
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