However, many Benalla children started the year on a positive note with Tomorrow Today once again distributing a significant number of FRRR Back To School Vouchers.
The $50 vouchers are given to school principals who arrange for them to be distributed to families experiencing financial hardship.
Families can use the vouchers to purchase essential items, such as shoes and clothing as well as educational needs, such as books and stationary.
St Joseph’s Primary School deputy principal Leigh Symons was thrilled to receive some Back to School vouchers.
‘‘Our families are so grateful for this assistance,’’ Mr Symons said.
‘‘Receiving financial support to purchase uniforms is one less pressure on their budget.’’
This is the 15th consecutive year that Tomorrow Today has assisted Benalla and district families with back-to-school expenses.
This year, 11 Benalla and district schools shared in 342 vouchers worth $17350.
A Tomorrow Today spokesperson said they were grateful to FRRR for its work in securing funding for the vouchers each year.
Tomorrow Today also acknowledged a number of generous local donors, including the Benalla branch of Soroptimists International, for donations, which helped to purchase extra vouchers for the program.
●For more information about Tomorrow Today, phone 57621211 or visit www.tomorrowtoday.com.au