THE St Vincent de Paul Society’s Inala Family Support Centre will assist more than 100 families with books and other essentials such as shoes and backpacks as students return to school this week.
Centre co-ordinator Sue Lannen estimated that up to a third of children in Inala and surrounding areas turned up to school with nothing following the financial strain experienced at Christmas by many families.
According to book lists from schools, for children in Years 1-7 the average cost of stationery is around $90. Added to that is the cost of uniforms, shoes and backpacks.
Parents of senior school students face even larger bills – textbook hire schemes can cost up to $260.
Ms Lannen said cash donations could be made by phoning (07) 3372 6973.
