23 Hills Schools Help Shield People in Need from Cold

As the cold months creep in, spending time outdoors can become a chilly endeavour. That’s why student leaders from 23 schools in the Hills have come together for the 9th Blanket and Beanie Appeal (BABA) to help those in need stay warm and get through, one blanket at a time.

Running from 5th to 30th May 2025, the appeal collects warm clothing to help those facing homelessness stay safe through the coldest months. Students from participating schools can bring blankets, beanies, scarves, jumpers, men’s pants, and women’s sanitary items to any participating school’s donation box.

Last year, 60 volunteers from St Paul’s Castle Hill’s Crossfire Youth, local community members, and Baulkham Hills Baptist Church assisted in sorting through the 4,500 donations collected.

Each item was carefully inspected for quality, sorted, counted, and boxed up, ready for distribution. BABA’s not-for-profit distribution partners, such as Jesus Cares 4 U Inc, Hope Street, Wash House, Mission Australia, and Living Hope, picked up the sorted clothing.

If members of the public wish to donate, they can do so via the two public drop-off points: 360 Action Park in Castle Hill or Baulkham Hills Baptist Church. Only members of the school communities can donate to their school boxes.

The schools are:

• Baulkham Hills HS,
• Beaumont Hills PS,
• Blacktown Boys HS,
• Castle Hill HS,
• Cherrybrook Technology Hill School,
• Crestwood HS,
• Cheltenham Girls HS,
• Girraween HS,
• James Ruse Agricultural HS,
• Kellyville HS,
• Killara HS,
• Mitchel HS,
• Muirfield HS,
• Norwest Christian College,
• Oakhill College,
• Pacific Hills Christian School,
• Parramatta HS,
• Pennant Hills HS,
• Penrith Selective HS,
• Rouse Hill Anglican College,
• Rouse Hill HS,
• The Ponds HS,
• West Pennant Hills Public School

David Brown, President of Blanket & Beanie Appeal, says this appeal is their biggest yet since he was inspired to bring the initiative to Pennant Hills HS as a Year 9 student.

“We’ve welcomed three new schools into the program and brought on board new sponsors to support our growing operations. We’ve also launched a new website and formed partnerships with new distribution organisations, allowing us to expand our reach even further,” David said.

“We’ve seen a 30% increase in sorting volunteers, and we’re placing a greater focus on building student leadership skills, empowering young leaders to take ownership, develop confidence, and grow through volunteering.”

“Time management has definitely been one of the toughest challenges for me—making sure all our deadlines are met whilst working full time can be demanding. Managing the financial side is another challenge.”

Reminiscing about the previous appeals, David mentioned that sorting nights have always been one of the most eventful parts of the month-long event.

“One moment I’ll never forget was back in 2021 when we held the sorting night at my house—we hadn’t reached the stage of hiring a hall yet. We had 40 volunteers sorting through 3,400 donations,” David said.

“Our house looked like a bomb had gone off! But everyone pitched in, sorted everything with care, and even helped clean up afterwards. It was chaos—but the best kind.”

“Think of it this way: If you wouldn’t want to wear it, they probably won’t either. We ask for clean, quality, and preferably new items only. Your generosity goes further when the items are in great condition,” David reminded.

Operations Manager Abbey Rudland, a Year 12 student from Kellyville High School, joined because of the sight of people banding together for a cause and being inspired by the sheer number of donated items.

“I started helping out in 2023, when I was in Year 10. I volunteered at the sorting night and was blown away by the generosity in The Hills! The following year, I became a schools coordinator, assisting with the organisation and logistics of six primary and high schools,” Abbey said.

“This year, in my final year at Kellyville High School, I am the operations manager, overseeing a team of school coordinators and assisting in the management of distribution and organisation of this year’s appeal.”

“Managing this year’s appeal whilst completing my HSC has been particularly difficult but incredibly rewarding.”

Abbey says volunteering is a fulfilling experience and an opportunity for young people to help and be an active part of the community.

“Community charities, particularly the BABA, are so important because they provide students and young adults with the unique opportunity to lead a charity initiative by working alongside schools, local businesses and other charities to give back to those less fortunate.”

“It is a great way to raise awareness in school communities about the needs in our city and provide a clear path to make a difference in real people’s lives. It is such a fulfilling experience which connects you to a wonderful community of supportive people.”

“There are many levels of involvement available, from donating to the appeal, helping on the sorting night, raising awareness in schools, or becoming a part of the organisational team.”

David teases that there is more in store for their 10th anniversary, with plans to expand across Greater Sydney, form more partnerships with sponsors and distributors, and keep it student-led.

If you want to get your school involved, send David an email at admin@blanketandbeanieappeal.

To learn more about the appeal and its history, visit their new website at https://www.blanketandbeanieappeal.com.