Thanks to the generosity of Blackmans Bay Primary students and families, Christmas will be brighter for locals in need.

On November 26, Blackmans Bay Primary School held a charity Uniform Free Day.

In exchange for wearing casual clothes to school, students were asked to bring a gift or gold coin to be donated to Jireh House women's refuge.

Jireh House, 24-hour crisis accommodation, provides support for local women and children made homeless due to domestic violence and other life crises.

Sadly, there will be a number of women and children needing to stay at Jireh House during this Christmas season.

Often arriving at the shelter with nothing but the clothes they are wearing, Christmas gifts and decorations are often a luxury they cannot afford, or must leave behind.

The overwhelming response from the school community made it possible to purchase a small Christmas tree for each of the units, as well as providing a ‘Christmas kit’ of decorations and Christmas themed plates and napkins for each family.

The gift drive has been a simple and very tangible way for students to demonstrate the spirit of Christmas, including a number of students adding a personal note for the gift recipients.

Principal Della Wells and her administrative team have fully supported the annual gift drive since its inception five years ago.

The gifts, trees and decorations collected, will be distributed among the families staying at Jireh House over Christmas.

Pictured above is Blackmans Bay Primary student Angus Stevenson helping deliver some Christmas Kits. (PS)