The COVID-19 pandemic has meant heartache for many families, unsure how they will continue putting food on the table.
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Launceston Benevolent Society chief executive Rod Spinks said the pandemic led the charity to an increase of people seeking help for the first time.
"There were people who felt reluctant to put their hand out to an agency like us, so we wanted to see how we could reach out to find the families who need help, and schools are the best place to start," Mr Spinks said.
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The charity has been helping Kings Meadows High School families for the past few weeks, donating hampers of non-perishable goods to be distributed by staff.
Principal Maree Pinnington said her staff were the key to the initiative taking off.
"That whole point of knowing your families well was a really big one for us," Ms Pinnington said.
"We're doing it in a way that isn't embarrassing anyone or making them feel lesser - parents turn up, they're handed a box and they can head out.
"Our staff have even used their lunch breaks to deliver to families who don't drive.
"Deb and Robyn in our office who are the first point of call, have been able to highlight 48 families over the last few weeks that we've provided these hampers to."
The Launceston Benevolent Society is one of four Northern charities supported by The Examiner's Empty Stocking Appeal, now in its 112th year.
Ms Pinnington urged Tasmanians to dig deep and donate what they can.
"We have had families in tears with gratitude when they've come to pick up these hampers," she said.
"It really tugs at the heart strings of the good you're able to do, and we know there are many more in the community who are doing it tough right now."
"We don't operate any retail shops, and we don't sell anything that is donated to us - we rely solely on some small government grants, trusts that support us and everything else is private donations," Mr Spinks added.
"We rely very much on the support of the community. The Empty Stocking Appeal is very important to helping us through the year, particularly through the Christmas period.
"We support a lot of families this time of year, and we know we'll be seeing more people seeking support over the next few months heading into the school year so it is where we get our income to be able to do what we do."
You can donate to the appeal in person at participating stores, or through electronic funds transfer - BSB: 035 822 ACC: 01144 3538.
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