The helpers who can

By Melissa Meehan
LOCAL schools have joined the campaign to give 4000 cans to 4Cs.
This week Pakenham Springs Primary School joined the push to give 4000 cans to families in need.
The Cardinia Shire Council has partnered with the Star News Group to establish ‘4000 cans for 4Cs”.
Principal Colin Sloper said the school joined the campaign to teach kids to give back to the community.
“We have received a lot of support from the community ourselves, so it’s nice to show the students that we are giving back,” Mr Sloper said.
“And the families have been very supportive.”
He said the school had been collecting a large amount of non-perishable foods from students, and were filling up the containers at the front desk every couple of days.
Co-ordinator of the 4Cs Jeni Mathieson said donations of cans, particularly tinned fruit and vegetables, soup or baked beans and spaghetti, would help ensure the charity organisation could continue its work to support families who were doing it hard.
“I wouldn’t like to think there was a family that missed out on Christmas and every little bit helps,” Ms Mathieson said.
“We’re getting busier every year and if people can buy one or even two extra cans next time they are at the supermarket and give them to the 4Cs, it all goes to a good cause.”
Residents are urged to contribute cans of food and other non-perishable items to the campaign and help make Christmas special for every person in Cardinia Shire.
This year the 4Cs expects to give 1000 hampers to families in need, up from 800 last year.
Each hamper includes a chicken, potatoes, onions, carrots, pudding or cake, a bottle of soft drink, Christmas lollies, shortbread and other Christmas items. The hamper also includes a week’s supply of food.
Tins can be donated at Ritchies IGA Pakenham, council offices, the Star News Group office, the 4Cs, Kooweerup IGA Plus Liquor, Lan Lan Foodworks, Signarama, and Battery Zone. For a full list of drop-off locations, visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au.