Community at heart for Wonthaggi students

WONTHAGGI Secondary College students are doing their share for the community by donating hundreds of food items towards Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre’s (PICAL) Christmas Hamper campaign.

The students delivered the donation last Tuesday at PICAL’s site in Cowes, presenting them with a trolley filled to the brim with non-perishable goods for those most in need.

Year 9 student Zac Mabilia said the students were incredibly proud of their efforts to help support all the great work PICAL does.

“The feedback was to do something community-based,” he said.

“So, we decided to help out the local community and then it just came down to school advertising and posters went up.

“We did a free dress day and encouraged students to bring canned food or a gold coin donation.

“We ended up having 205 cans or $497 raised for it.”

PICAL centre manager Greg Thompson was full of praise for the students last week. He said the donations were a big boost to this year’s campaign.

Last year, the campaign delivered more than 500 bags to 165 families, 38 couples and 16 singles, with many more expected this year.

Donations are being accepted until Friday, December 17, and those wishing to contribute can donate:

• Packaged non-perishable items that are still within their ‘Use-by’ timeframe (they cannot accept any damaged packaging, due to health regulations).

• Donated items should be brought to the PICAL reception (56-58 Church Street, Cowes).

• Donated items can also be left in trolleys at the front of Cowes Coles and Woolworths supermarkets.

• PICAL is also accepting cash donations (contact reception@pical.org.au or phone 5952 1131) and these funds will be used to purchase types of items in short supply.

Those wishing to receive a hamper must physically come to PICAL reception, pantry or Women Connect to register their contact details, including the number of family members.

Registered recipients can collect hampers from the pantry during opening hours (9am-2pm) from Wednesday, December 15, until Christmas Eve.

Delivery to households may be available upon request but must be approved by PICAL.

If you have any further queries, contact Anne Marie Emanuele at programs@pical.org.au.