Carey Grammar Lends a Hand at Christmas Time
23 December 2016
In early December, 2016, Carey Baptist Grammar School sent around one hundred students into several of our Salvation Army centres around Melbourne. The primary purpose was to give the students hands-on experience getting involved with the community and humanitarian activities the Salvos embrace.
The students assisted in stocking the Salvos kitchen, hearing about how food and material aid is distributed to those in the community in need. Students unpacked and sorted cartons of donated toys that then go on to be distributing to families in need at Christmas time. The Student’s embraced their creative side, painting theatre sets for an annual Christmas event, which attracts many families from local community who are facing challenges.
Students heard about how the food and toys are distributed to the community, hearing about the positive impact for the recipients, including many who may be experiencing financial difficulties, homelessness or people seeking Asylum. The Carey Grammar students made a great impact on the set tasks and were able to churn out a day’s work in a couple of hours.
“The benefit to me is feeling good about it and feeling good about bringing joy to other people.” Katie, Year 8 Student
The Salvation Army Schools Team are committed to supporting local school leadership in their efforts to communicate a wider community awareness and engagement to their student bodies. We value the opportunity to help organise and connect students with the various aspects of Salvation Army services and programs.
This is what English teacher Sally says to any school that is considering working with The Salvation Army to give back to the community;
“Do it. Do it! It will benefit the staff. It will benefit the kids. The kids will get immeasurable benefit from it. They are genuinely pleased that they can help. And it’s on a very organic level. They want to get involved so I think giving the kids the opportunity to do it is very important. So do it!”
To find out more or enquire about volunteering please contact Schools Development Representative on 03 8878 2367 or schooltours@aus.salvationarmy.org