Back to School 2026: We need you

As the new school year approaches, many families in our community are bracing for something all too familiar: the sharp rise in back-to-school costs. It’s not just pencils and books — the price of school uniforms alone is adding up, and it’s pushing already stressed family budgets to the breaking point.

For most families, outfitting a child in a full school uniform isn’t cheap. Across the Blue Mountains and Lithgow region, parents are spending hundreds of dollars per child just to meet basic uniform requirements — often around $300–$600 for primary school and even more for secondary students when all pieces (sports gear, shoes, bags, hats) are included. Not to mention the cost of bus passes and lunches.

Help Us Support Families in Need in the Blue Mountains

We want to ensure that every child in the Blue Mountains is equipped with the supplies, uniforms, and resources they need to succeed. Our community is stronger when we look out for one another. That’s why we’re calling on families, local businesses and neighbours to help support students and parents who are struggling to keep up.

Why Your Support Matters
 Your donation can make a real difference in the lives of these families. By contributing to us, you will provide much-needed assistance to cover:

• School uniforms for children who don’t have access to new or properly fitted clothing
• Stationery and educational materials that might otherwise be out of reach
• Extracurricular activity fees that can offer children invaluable opportunities
• Learning resources, such as tutoring or online courses, that give every child a fair chance to succeed

How Can You Help?
 No contribution is too small. Your support can give a child the chance to thrive in school and feel confident in their education. Whether you can donate $10, $50, or $500, every cent will go directly to providing essential school items and support for families who need it most.

Prefer to donate items?
Items can be dropped off to 2 Station St, Katoomba, Mon – Fri 9am – 4pm OR 174 Landa Street, Bowenfels Mon – Wed 9am – 3pm

Donate today and make a difference in the lives of local children, visit https://www.thriveservices.org.au/help-us/donate/

Together, we can give every child in the Blue Mountains the bright future they deserve.