Papamoa Primary School children give back to city's homeless

Papamoa Primary School pupils Sydnie Burnett, 11, Holly Mitchell , 10, Alanah Eru, 11, with principal Wayne Whitaker, Davina Plummer and Robyn Eru. Photo / George Novak

Papamoa Primary School children have given the city's homeless "a little bit of dignity" after donating more than $700 worth of personal hygiene packs to the Salvation Army.

Salvation Army community ministries manager Davina Plummer had tears in her eyes as she accepted 48 packs including deoderant, toothbrushes and toothpaste for people living on the street.

Plummer said it was hard not to get emotional after seeing the city's homeless first-hand and knowing how much the packs would mean to them.

"These are little things for people to have their dignity," Plummer said. "It is so integral to everyday life."

The packs included water, toothpaste and a toothbrush, tissues, shampoo, chapstick, deodrant and plasters.

Plummer said the items were not often donated to the Salvation Army and were a huge benefit to the city's homeless.

"They are basic necessities that become a luxury," she said.

Papamoa Primary School deputy principal Wayne Whitaker said about 30 pupils attended a young leader course in Rotorua where they were challenged to think about what they could do to help out in their communities.

Year 6 pupils Holly Mitchell, Alanah Eru and Sydnie Burnett were inspired to organise a school mufti day to raise funds for personal hygiene packs for the city's homeless.

The mufti day raised $704, enough to make 48 personal hygiene packs for the Salvation Army which were handed over on Wednesday.

"It was just outstanding the students' contribution to the community," Whitaker said. "We are really proud of these girls and the process they went through."

Whitaker said the girls contacted the Salvation Army, budgeted with The Warehouse staff to make their packs and donated them directly.

"It was an inspiring initiative," Whitaker said.

Alanah Eru said the packs also included a note which introduced the Papamoa Primary School pupils, included a list of what was inside and the amount raised to help buy the packs.

"We went to The Warehouse to buy the stuff for the homeless to have everything they needed," she said.

WHAT WAS INCLUDED IN THE PACKS?
- Water
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Tissues
- Shampoo
- Chapstick
- Deodrant
- Plasters