WA Charity Dandelions Faces Unprecedented Demand for School Supplies
A Western Australian charity is making an urgent public appeal for donations as it struggles to meet record-breaking demand for essential school items just days before the new term begins.
Soaring Requests Leave Charity with Critical Shortfall
Dandelions WA, which has supported tens of thousands of families over the past five years by providing school bags filled with stationery, now faces its most challenging period yet. The organisation supplied backpacks to more than 15,000 children throughout 2025, but requests for the coming year have surged dramatically to 18,500.
This overwhelming increase has created a critical shortfall of approximately 1,000 bags with only one week remaining before schools reopen. For the first time in its history, the charity is also receiving requests from other charitable organisations, highlighting the widespread nature of the current crisis.
Hygiene Kits Becoming Essential School Supplies
The charity's work has expanded significantly beyond traditional school items. Dandelions WA now provides comprehensive hygiene kits containing shampoo, deodorant, soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste. Last year marked the first time schools requested these kits throughout the entire academic year, with the charity delivering more than 2,000 hygiene packages.
Demand for these essential hygiene products has skyrocketed, with requests already reaching 5,000 for the coming year. This represents a substantial increase that reflects the growing financial pressures facing Western Australian families.
Families Forced to Make Impossible Choices
Dandelions WA co-founder Vicky Young revealed the heartbreaking reality many families now face. "Families are having to choose between putting food on the table or buying hygiene or school supplies," she explained. "Just this week we sent backpacks to one school, along with 600 pairs of underwear, 150 shorts and 300 pairs of socks."
Ms Young emphasised how these donations transform children's educational experiences. "It makes a huge difference," she stated. "It means children can go to school on day one rather than avoiding school because they don't want to face ridicule because they haven't bathed or cleaned their teeth."
Cost of Living Crisis Drives Unprecedented Need
The charity currently supports 470 schools across Western Australia, with Ms Young attributing the dramatic increase in demand directly to the ongoing cost of living crisis. "Our funding has allowed us to purchase 15,000 backpacks," she noted, "but school is not back yet and we're already up to 18,500 requests."
Dandelions WA receives support from several key partners including Telethon, the State Government, and corporate donors such as Mineral Resources. "We are so grateful for all of the support," Ms Young acknowledged. "We couldn't do it without them."
Public Donations Urgently Needed
With the new school term rapidly approaching, the charity is calling for immediate public assistance. Community members can contribute through donations at the organisation's Malaga headquarters or via online platforms. Every contribution helps ensure Western Australian children begin their school year with the basic supplies they need to succeed academically and socially.
The situation highlights how economic pressures are affecting educational participation across the state, with charitable organisations like Dandelions WA becoming increasingly essential in supporting vulnerable families during difficult times.
