Back to school time for local families doing it tough was made a lot easier thanks to the St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies) Operation Backpack appeal.

Primary-aged children starting or returning to school today will now have essential back-to-school supplies thanks to donations from shoppers at Lismore Shopping Square.

Vinnies’ Linda Williams said Operation Backpack’ appeal has helped several hundred local families get ready for the 2020 school year. 

“Priority is being given to schools in areas affected by the bushfires,” Ms Williams said.

Donated school items included backpacks, pens, pencils and textas, exercise books, lunch boxes and water bottles. They were given to the appeal by shoppers throughout January and have been distributed by St Vincent de Paul Society community workers.

Ms Williams thanked shoppers for their generosity, saying this year’s appeal was even more successful than last year’s.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has helped out,” Ms Williams said. “Vinnies assists many local families who are doing it tough, and the recent fires have made life even more difficult.

“It’s so important for kids returning or starting school to have the right equipment from day one, and Vinnies is in close touch with local primary schools in areas of identified social need. We really appreciate the ongoing commitment of everyone who shops locally.”

Lismore Shopping Square's Karen Hugg added, “The appeal is a wonderful partnership between a major retail complex and one of Australia’s most respected charities. We are so pleased to be helping local families in need, especially those impacted by the bushfires.”

Read more: Make sure the back to school list includes a water bottle