Residents dig deep for kids

Community spirit shone as Hedland locals responded to a call for donations for foster children.

In partnership with Child Protection and Family Support services along with a group of other general foster carers of Hedland, Foster Carer of the Year Heather Herwig took to social media asking for support for their project to create care packs for children coming into crisis care.

“In a crisis situation, children are places in emergency care, often with just the clothes they are wearing,” she said. “Our wish is to put together small packs of essentials so they can at least arrive at the emergency placement with something, so they have a sense of belonging — something many of these children don’t have.”

Expecting only a few essentials from the community, the carers were overwhelmed with generosity receiving boxes upon boxes of items from clothes to dental care and more.

CPFS district director of the Pilbara Natasha Bargeus said the process had been a real testament to the community.

“Historically, we’ve put together packs here and there and I love the idea of sentimental pieces from families being paid forward and used again,” she said.

Since the social media call for help, the foster carers and CPFS centre have been inundated with donations.

After the school holidays, foster carers of Hedland will put the care packages together. To get involved in foster caring or any other CPFS activities, call the department on 9222 2555 or visit the Hedland office behind the South Hedland police station.