Students rally to help others

STUDENTS from Bundarra Primary School’s Student Representative Council (SRC) have teamed up with United Way Glenelg to assemble 200 hygiene packs, to distributed through the shire’s Little FREE Pantries — a grassroots initiative offering community members access to essential items when they need them most.

This project, made possible by the generosity of kind-hearted donors, responds to a growing need for basic hygiene items — something many of us take for granted, but which can significantly affect self-worth, health, and confidence when out of reach.

Each hygiene pack includes a dental care kit, tissue pack, laundry and dishwashing liquid, grooming kit, comb, body soap, shampoo and conditioner sachets, and band-aids. These items were selected to meet every day needs while also providing a sense of care and comfort.

United Way Glenelg Executive Officer Nicole Carr said hygiene poverty is often invisible but deeply felt.

“In the Glenelg Shire, 11.3% of adults worry about running out of food — a figure significantly higher than the state average of 9.7%. For people doing it tough, having access to hygiene essentials can make a world of difference.”

“These packs are a small gesture with a big impact — showing care, restoring dignity, and reminding people they’re not alone. We’re especially proud to partner with the young students who are leading with heart and action,” concluded Ms Carr.

Bundarra Primary School’s SRC played a key role in assembling the packs, giving students the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to their local community.

Student Wellbeing Officer Skye Roche said it was a valuable learning experience for the students.

“They packed each kit with plenty of empathy, understanding that they were helping someone who might be doing it tough,” Ms Roche said.

“It gave them insight into the challenges people face and showed them the power of simple acts of kindness.”

United Way Glenelg currently operates 16 Little FREE Pantries across the shire, with plans underway to install an additional pantry dedicated to providing pet food for families doing it tough. https://www.unitedwayglenelg.com.au/causes/little-free-pantry/