Helping Hand and Giving a Smile One at a Time
Most of us are fortunate to grow up in loving and supportive families. Sadly, not every child has this experience. Some children face hardship, uncertainty, or unsafe environments, and in some cases, they are removed from their homes with little time to take personal belongings.
Imagine the stress and anxiety these children face leaving behind their loved ones, pets, and the familiarity of home. On top of this, they may not even have access to the most basic personal care items such as a toothbrush, soap, or a change of clothes.
This year, Dr Erika Guerra (principal dentist) and the team at Morphett Vale Dental Care are supporting Backpacks 4 SA Kids, a charity that provides clothes, hygiene items, toys, and comfort packs for children placed in emergency foster care, kinship care, or domestic violence shelters.
The backpacks are designed to give children something of their own at a very uncertain time, providing practical items and a small sense of comfort during a difficult transition.
From now until the end of June, we will be collecting items to donate to Backpacks 4 SA Kids. Donations can be as simple as a bib, a storybook, or a pair of socks every little bit makes a difference.
As Mahatma Gandhi once said: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”
On behalf of everyone at Morphett Vale Dental Care, we thank you for your kindness and generosity.
Suggested Items for Donation
Sizes 0000–1
- 4 sets of clothes (including at least 1 growsuit for pyjamas)
- 8 nappies, 2 singlets, 2 bibs, 1 blanket/wrap
- Socks, rattles/toys, soft toy
- Toiletry bag (baby wash, dummy, bottle, wipes, face washer)
Size 2
- 2 sets of clothes (including jumper and pants), 1 pair of pyjamas
- 3 pull-ups, 3 underwear, socks
- Toy, soft toy, book, sippy cup, bottle
- Toiletry bag (shampoo/conditioner, toothbrush & toothpaste, soap, hairbrush/comb, hair ties for girls)
Size 3–5
- 2 sets of clothes, 1 pair of pyjamas, 3 underwear
- Socks, toy, soft toy, DVD, torch (from age 5)
- Pencil case, colouring-in book, storybook
- Toiletry bag (shampoo/conditioner, toothbrush & toothpaste, soap, hairbrush/comb, hair ties for girls)
Size 6–10
- 2 sets of clothes, 1 pair of pyjamas, 3 underwear
- Socks, toy, soft toy, DVD, torch
- Pencil case, colouring-in book, storybook
- Toiletry bag (shampoo/conditioner, toothbrush & toothpaste, soap, hairbrush/comb, hair ties for girls)
Size 12–18
- 2 sets of clothes, 1 pair of pyjamas, 3 underwear
- Socks, toy, DVD, torch
- Pencil case, notebook, storybook
- Toiletry bag (shampoo/conditioner, toothbrush & toothpaste, soap, deodorant, hairbrush/comb, hair ties for girls, sanitary pads for girls)
If you would like to contribute, please drop your donations at Morphett Vale Dental Care during our opening hours. Together, we can provide a helping hand and brighten a child’s day.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for general community awareness. It does not provide medical or dental advice. For personalised dental care, please consult a qualified dental practitioner.
Written by Dr Erika Guerra (Dentist, AHPRA Registration No. DEN0001411499).