TWENTY HAMPERS COLLECTED FOR THE COMMUNITY

BRENDAN CRABB

They have been doing it for fifteen years and this year was no exception!

Kanahooka High School students and staff recently continued their annual Christmas tradition of giving to those in need.

For the past 15 years, the school has donated Christmas hampers to local charities and appeals each Christmas.

This year, they donated 20 hampers to Illawarra Community Services (ICS) for distribution amongst selected local elderly residents as part of ICS’ Meals on Wheels program.

The hampers are put together by the school, assisted by donations from a variety of local businesses.

However, Kanahooka High School administrative staff member Jackie Bagoly said the enthusiasm of students and staff is vital.

“The whole school community came together for this project,” she said.

“It was a great team effort by everyone involved.”

Last Thursday, members of the school Student Representative Council, Illawarra Community Services and Kanahooka High teachers went out in person to deliver the hampers they had prepared and packed for the lucky recipients.

Recipients are selected on a rotational basis from nominated charities and community groups. This year’s recipients were from Meals on Wheels.

Mrs Bagola said it was very rewarding.

“It is such a heartwarming experience for the students and staff.

“The students loved seeing the responses of the people when they come to the door with the hampers,” she said.

“It can get quite emotional, and many of them tell us that it makes their Christmas.”

Caption - Kanahooka High School students Jacob Holm, Claire Walsh and Stacey Moselen give a Christmas hamper to Ron Cameron.