Inaugural Broome Circle back-to-school donation drive brings classroom supplies for 52 under-privileged kids

A Broome not-for-profit which put a call out for back-to-school donations has been “overwhelmed” by the Kimberley town’s generosity, which has allowed more than 50 local kids the supplies needed for a successful school year.

Broome Circle put a call out to the community in early January, asking for school supplies which could be donated directly to children whose families needed a helping hand with rising school costs.

During the month, generous donations from local businesses and individuals came flooding in, with 52 local kids each getting a back pack full of goodies as school returned on February 1.

Brand new lunch boxes, drink bottles and pencil cases loaded with supplies were delivered to primary schools which had expressed need, along with additional classroom supplies.

Broome Circle community development project officer Tessa Jones said starting the school year with the right equipment was important to providing an equal opportunity to learn, regardless of family circumstances.

“Having things like a back pack and lunch box to call your own may not seem like a big deal, but it helps to build the sense that you belong and gives a sense of pride,” she said.

“These donations will make a big difference to the school experience for a lot of kids and relieve the burden on families who are doing it tough.”

The program was initiated after an increase of families attending Broome Circle for financial assistance at back-to-school time in 2021.

While schools are able to offer some assistance to families in need, the drive was able to fill some gaps where schools couldn’t spend money, such as lunch boxes and drink bottles.

After the resounding success of the drive, Broome Circle hopes to make it an annual event.