Food linc up

By Kath Gannaway
THE link between crazy hair and looking out for others in the community may not be obvious to everyone.
But students at Launching Place Primary School have managed to connect the two spectacularly.
In return for the privilege of wearing pyjamas and weird hair to school, each student donated a food item to Yarra Junction welfare group Linc for their Christmas hampers.
Linc provides assistance to families and single people in need.
The school delivered five overflowing laundry baskets full of goodies to a very surprised Linc office.
“It’s our way of saying thank you to the community for supporting our local school,” said vice principal Sandra Mariniello.
Dianne Genat, referral centre coordinator with Linc said the donation floored her.
“It’s absolutely exceptional to received something like that from the children and so wonderful to see a community conscience,” she said.
Ms Genat said the food would assist a lot of desperate families in the valley and added there had been more call on their services this year.
She said the demand was more than Linc could cover.
“We have had to cut down a bit to where we are helping just clients but if people are referred we will help them out.
“We would love to help everybody who comes in.
“It’s not just families, there are a lot of single people on their own at Christmas, too.”
The River Valley Church at Millgrove has taken over Linc’s Christmas Toy Shop this year and Ms Genat urged people to donate also to that appeal.
While Christmas is a high-profile time for donations, Ms Genat said support is needed right throughout the year.
Donations of non-perishable food and toys can be left at the Linc office in the old Shire Offices in Yarra Junction between 9am and 2pm each day.
Linc can be contacted on 5967 2119.