The Christmas hamper drive started nine years ago where students filled four baskets and in 2018 the school community was able to donate 57 hampers to Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Service in Port Macquarie and St Thomas’ Church.

Christmas hamper coordinator Natalie Littler said the project is all about teaching the students to help other in the community.

“Our classroom teaches are the real driving force behind this amazing initiative, the teachers educate, motivate and encourage our students to think of others and learn the value of supporting people experiencing hardship,” Ms Littler said.

“I am always blown away by the generosity of our school community and willingness to get involved in such a wonderful cause.

“I feel the hampers provide an opportunity for our students to  show empathy and understanding and to learn the value of giving.”

This year she said students really considered who the presents would go to and donated accordingly and the hampers were donated on December 11.

“Students bring in items which cater for specific families in our communities and the items are so varied,” she said. 

“This year we even had donated a new bike, blow up pool, vouchers, body boards, cricket sets.”

Co-organiser of the hamper drive Steph Cairns said it was a ‘sea of gifts’ ready to help others at the handover.

“We are always blown away at how much is donated to those in need by our school community,” Ms Cairns said.

“It is always a whole of school effort and this year was the same with more than 35 local families to benefit from all the hampers we were able to donate.”

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