It comes amid surging demand for emergency relief in the community.

Bendigo Family and Financial Services general manager, Jenny Elvey said demand was up by 40 per cent, compared with pre-pandemic levels.

“It’s increasing each week,” she said.

There is also an increased demand for financial counselling, particularly as utility bills from the lockdown started rolling in.

Each of the packs Weeroona College donated contained essential items.

Weeroona College VCAL coordinator Shawn McCormick said students had achieved a variety of learning outcomes, such as budgeting, while assembling the packs.

He and the students are also hopeful the care packs will be useful to those doing it tough.

Ms Elvey welcomed the packs, which she expected would lift the recipients’ spirits.