No child should have to go back to school without the essentials, but with the new school year upon us and 1.4 million Aussie kids and teens considered to be living under the poverty line, many are asking for help through online charity GIVIT.
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GIVIT is a 'virtual warehouse' that connects generous people who want to donate items, services or money, with people who need them.
Through the service's 'Back to School' appeal, over 6,500 requests have been made for schooling items for struggling families - from basic stationery to backpacks, lunch boxes and school shoes, as well as necessary tech items including laptops and tablets.
According to GIVIT's Engagement Officer, Kirsty Bender, requests for items are only growing as more schools return for the new year.
"GIVIT is essentially a smarter way to give. It gives charities the ability to put up specific requests for items to be donated for clients then enables the community to donate for those specific needs - which is quite powerful," Ms Bender told the Gazette.
The charity has various appeals running throughout the year, including the Back to School appeal, as well as one for family and domestic violence, the NSW bushfires, Indigenous support, COVID-19, and more.
Ms Bender works with a few different charities to get items to people in need in the Hawkesbury area, but said she hoped more would sign up.
"We'd love to engage with local charities to register and utilise GIVIT for day-to-day support and get the word out there that we're here to help," she said.
The service has been connecting families affected by last summer's bushfires with donations from across Sydney.
"There's been a fair bit of work done providing grocery and plant vouchers. With many people living off-the-grid, and have had damage to their properties, support that is needed it to reestablish their vege gardens, replace their water tanks, and their tools," Ms Bender said.
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the incomes of countless Australian families, many of whom are reaching out for help from charities for the very first time.
"GIVIT provides a quick and easy way for people to give," Ms Bender said.
Go to givit.org.au to see what's needed in your area.
Sarah Falson
Daily Liberal journalist. I love telling people's stories. Get in touch at sarah.falson@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Daily Liberal journalist. I love telling people's stories. Get in touch at sarah.falson@austcommunitymedia.com.au
