BAYVIEW State School student Laila Payouw has penned a letter to the principal with her plan to help others in need.
The year 4 student said she wanted to share her plan to help homeless people during the cooler months.
“It’s cold in winter and I thought it was a good idea to let the homeless who might not have anything to have something warm,” she said.
In her letter, Laila suggested a pajama day could be held to encourage students to bring a donation and to ask school chaplain Leslie McMillan to set up a donation box for families to leave unwanted blankets, jumpers and pillows.
Bayview State School hopped on board with Laila’s ideas, with the student council aligning her free dress day suggestion with their plans of a onesie day to fundraise Lifeline.
A Winter Warmers Collection was also introduced for the school community to donate and have already filled three boxes of warm and fuzzy items.
“I feel happy they liked my ideas,” Laila said.
Year 6 teacher Neville Gooding, who runs the student council, said Laila’s actions tied in with the school’s focus on care and compassion.
“That’s the type of thing we look for and it’s great to see someone showing those values we have at school,” he said.
“I approached Chappy Les and he investigated different organisations and found Night Ninjas, a group that supports the needy in the Redland.
“This was a great opportunity to support our local community.”
Mr Gooding said he hoped Laila’s story would encourage people to follow in her footsteps in showing care and compassion.
“I hope this brings more awareness about local charities and organisations,” he said.