After experiencing the humbling kindness of strangers in their own troublesome times, Somerton Public staff and students are giving back to another school community in need.
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They will donate a ute-load of household staples to their Walgett peers, after finding out the isolated town's one and only supermarket had burned down.
And it's a heartwarming case of generosity going full circle, after the Somerton families were spoiled last year by another school community after a devastating break-in.
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Somerton principal Kylie Lacey said it all began when The Entrance Public School (TEPS) bent over backwards to raise the student's spirits after the crime in August last year.
TEPS gave the students and staff groceries, water, a replacement for their stolen bearded dragon Rocco - who, amazingly, was recovered a few months later - and even a free holiday to the coast.
"At the time, the principal at [TEPS] was Mark Rudd - and he's now the principal at Walgett Community College," Ms Lacey said.
"Ever since The Entrance helped us ... we have been talking all the time to the kids about the importance of paying it forward and giving back when you can, and how there's probably always someone who is in more need than we are.
"We're trying to not just educate our students academically, but we're also teaching them how to be good citizens and the importance of kindness."
If anyone does want to help out and donate, that would be greatly appreciated.
- Somerton Public School principal Kylie Lacey
On Friday, Ms Lacey and Somerton teacher Hannah Warden will drive donations of food, water and toiletries to Walgett Community College.
She said that, although they were unable to gift a holiday to Walgett's students, the Somerton community could "certainly give the things people need every day, which is food, water, and basic toiletries".
"This community will be very grateful and [Mr Rudd] has plans to disperse the goods by way of hampers to his students at this school to take home," Ms Lacey said.
"If anyone does want to help out and donate, that would be greatly appreciated."
Those interested in helping out are asked to donate staples for the home, such as long-life milk, water, breakfast cereal, and food for children to take in their lunchbox to school.
Donations can be made to the school office and must be made by Friday.
Jessica Worboys
Education and youth reporter at the Northern Daily Leader. Get in touch via jessica.worboys@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Education and youth reporter at the Northern Daily Leader. Get in touch via jessica.worboys@austcommunitymedia.com.au
