St. Michael’s College Staff Unite to Bring Joy to Local Vulnerable Children with Bright Bags Christmas Initiative

St. Michael’s College, Caboolture, is stepping up to support the local community through the Bright Bags initiative, led by two dedicated staff members, Jodie Hill and Carol Parry. The initiative aims to provide essential items and a touch of joy to vulnerable children in the Moreton Bay area, a cause that has resonated deeply within the school community.

Jodie Hill, a Learning Support Educational Assistant, discovered Bright Bags on social media and was inspired to take action.

“I hadn’t known about them until they recently celebrated an anniversary,” Hill shared in a video interview with JtA NEWS.

After researching the organisation, she decided to sponsor a bag herself. Encouraged by the response, she reached out to her colleague, classroom teacher Carol Parry, and together, they extended the opportunity to the wider school community.

The response from St. Michael’s College has been overwhelmingly positive. The school, along with staff and parents, have rallied together to sponsor 24 bags, with ten coming directly from the school and the rest from individual staff members.

“Our parents are also contributing to the donation bin, which we’ve already emptied once,” Hill added, emphasising the community’s enthusiasm for the cause.

Parry, echoing the spirit of generosity, highlighted the significance of these donations for local children.

“Some of these children have absolutely nothing,” she explained. “What little they do have, they may be carrying in grubby old plastic grocery bags.

“Children deserve something nice; they ought to know that they’re loved by everybody.”

The initiative has fostered a sense of togetherness and collective purpose at St. Michael’s College.

“We, as a school, always look to our wider community and how we can support it,” Parry said. “We are very blessed to have what we have here at our school, and we want to give that blessing to other children in our community.”

Bright Bags focuses on providing not only Christmas gifts but also essential supplies throughout the year. As part of their ongoing efforts, Parry shared how she keeps an eye out for items that are urgently needed.

“I was in ALDI shopping yesterday and saw packs of roll-on deodorant,” Parry recounted. “That’s something they need, so I bought some extra ones to donate.”

This personal commitment reflects the broader community’s dedication, as parents and staff alike are encouraged to contribute whenever possible.

St. Michael’s College, Caboolture, remains committed to supporting the community and encourages local families to get involved.

Hill noted: “Always feel free to come and drop off at St. Michael’s College if you’re nearby.”

The initiative demonstrates the power of community spirit and highlights how small actions can make a significant difference in the lives of children in need.