SCHOOLS across the Brisbane archdiocese have delivered truckloads, carloads and bucket loads of goodies to their local St Vincent de Paul Society conference members to make Christmas a merrier time for people in need.
Vinnies state president John Campbell said the Christmas Appeal, officially launched on December 3, would assist more families than ever this year who are struggling to get by in the current financial crisis.
In Brisbane’s north, Mt Alvernia College and St Anthony’s School, Kedron, responded particularly well, joining forces to fill five trucks with 37 hampers.
A spokeswoman from the local Vinnies conference said the response was “unbelievable” and would supply 135 family members with food.
“It’s amazing what happens when our wonderful schools get together,” she said.
Mt Alvernia middle years teacher Jason Smith said both schools carried out their collections with “open hearts”.
“They were challenged to think about the words of St Francis at this time of year – ‘in giving we receive’,” he said.
“When we who have much are out celebrating with family and friends, those who have little find this time of year very draining on their finances and relationships.”
In the city’s southwest a tiny cohort of 230 students from Christ the King School, Graceville, were able to fill seven laundry baskets with festive gifts.
Christ the King acting APRE Katrina Woodger said they couldn’t have done it without the school’s Mini Vinnies team, which was formed this year.
“There’s so much more awareness because the Mini Vinnies have been very active in the school this year,” she said.
“They’ve even had special tee shirts made up.
“The Christmas Appeal comes at the end of a very busy year and at a really busy time, but they’ve managed to keep the enthusiasm there.”
Christ the King piano teacher Margaret Bailey celebrated her birthday recently, but requested guests make donations to the Mini Vinnies Christmas Appeal instead of buying her presents, which totalled $138.10.
Schools’ efforts will be especially appreciated as Mr Campbell said the number of families who had been to Vinnies for help in the past 12 months had risen by 16 per cent from the previous year.
