Having basics like pencils and books to start school with each year is something most kids take for granted. But some families in our community rely on the goodwill of helping organisations like the St Vincent De Paul Society to get what they need.

That’s where Operation Backpack, from January 6 to 22 comes in. This is the third year that St Vincent De Paul has teamed up with Lismore Shopping Square to ask the community to donate stationary supplies to kids who need help to get back to school.

St Vincent De Paul Society community engagement coordinator Rosie Leo said in previous years, people have donated items to be included in backpacks for kids, but this year she asks people to donate money instead.

What’s needed

“Last year we found we had too many books but not enough pencils,” Rosie said. “Because of Covid, we will now buy the backpacks and fill them with exactly what is needed for each child and we will use the funds to buy things like school uniforms too.

“We also intend to ask parents exactly what it is that they need.

Rosie said the St Vincent De Paul Society Conference members were responsible for knowing who needed assistance in the local community.

“The ladies in the Conference every week talk to people and families who need help,” she said. “They are a group of volunteers who go in to the community to assist friends in need.

“Community members might come in and say they need food, but once you sit there and have a conversation with them, you find out there is lot of assistance they need, from paying bills to getting kids to school.”

Lismore Shopping Square centre manager Steven Beaumont.

Assistance and volunteers needed

Anyone needing assistance, or wishing to volunteer in any capacity can contact the St Vincent De Paul office on 0266 215 835.

“We are anticipating that as Jobseeker and Jobkeeper payments lessen, people are going to need more help.

Donate

If you want to donate, you can donate any amount from $1 and up at locations in the Lismore Shopping Square, until January 22. When you make a donation, you’ll be given a sticker that you can stick up on the Operation backpack wall opposite Coles.

Lismore Shopping Square centre manager Steven Beaumont said there would be staff set up at a table, outside Coles - or donations could also be made at the Centre’s management office.

Cr Neil Marks at the donation table.