General News
1 December, 2025
Pack a pencil case for school children in need
CENTACARE FNQ is calling on workplaces, classrooms and community groups to take part in the ‘Pack a Pencil Case Challenge’ to support local children ahead of the 2026 school year.
The campaign asks participants to buy a pencil case, fill it with new school supplies, label it for either primary or secondary students, and drop it off by Friday 12 December. Donations can be delivered to the latest School Savvy Hub at 66 Pease Street, Manoora, the Connect Hub at Cairns Central next to iPlay or any local Vinnies store.
Centacare FNQ executive director Anita Veivers said the initiative reflected the region’s strong sense of community support.
“Every item helps. Every act of giving matters. Together, we can make sure every child walks into school with the tools and confidence they need to learn,” Ms Veivers said.
Centacare FNQ general manager Andrea Obeyesekere encouraged the community to take part, noting the rising pressure on family budgets.
“Family budgets are really tight, so it helps kids and families get back to school. We just encourage people, you know, add an extra couple of dollars onto your grocery bill, grab some pencils, some pens ... just put it together and bring it down, because it’s all these small little things that people do that are really making a difference,” she said.
Barron River MP Bree James welcomed recent government support for the program, noting the increasing need for assistance.
“We know that School Savvy do a fantastic job, especially just before school goes back, helping families with those resources that they need to get back to school,” she said.
