About Us

Reviews & Impact Stories

I just wanted to share a quick story of some of the young people we have been able to help with your program. Last week I handed out the first Care Kits for Kids to one of our families here. I provided backpacks for three children who were urgently placed in the care of their grandmother due to their mother experiencing a mental health episode. I reached out to grandma to offer support but she was reluctant to accept, she is a strong woman with an “I can push through” attitude. She came into my office last Friday for a meeting and I was able to give her a backpack for each child while she was here. She became teary and was so incredibly grateful, explaining the children didn’t have anything as mum had thrown it all away. Grandma was trying to gather the funds to buy new things for them but was worried about falling behind on her bills as a result so this came at the perfect time for the family. Grandma advised the children were so extremely excited to receive the backpacks. Thank you so much for all of the work that you do!

Ebony

School Social Worker, 2026

I can confirm the [Care Kits] have arrived. Family Care Service has already commenced distributing to the children who were identified as needing them, and the smiles on the little one’s faces is immeasurable. Family Care Service would like to extend a huge thank you to the volunteers who put the packs together, for the lovely sewn clothing and blankets and for every knitted donated items, all was received with much appreciation.

Tanya

Family Care Services Coordinator, Mareeba, 2026

On behalf of Child Safety G, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for the incredible work you do in supporting children and families in need. Your dedication and generosity make a significant difference in the lives of so many, and we are truly grateful for your ongoing support...[of] care kits for children in our community who are in need of essential items... [giving] support and comfort to children in our care. We deeply appreciate your assistance in helping us meet their needs.

Dianna

Child Safety Officer 2026

Thank you for all that you do. You truly make a difference and are an inspiration to everyone who has been involved with your amazing program.

Dijana

Guidance Officer, 2025

I am reaching out with heartfelt gratitude for the incredible work your organisation continues to do in bringing comfort, dignity, and hope to children in need. Your care kits have touched so many young lives, and I truly admire the compassion and dedication behind everything you do.

Sharon

Samoa Outreach Community Centre, 2025

'I would like to thank you and the staff that thought of my family. I had the most beautiful feeling watching how happy my kids were opening and discovering what was in those blue bags. We all were happy. Thank you. It has been a traumatic time for my family...it's good to know there are people out there that care. Thank you. Be blessed.' The children from the above family, and 2 others, came running up to me the day after they received their packs grinning from ear to ear and thanking me (you!!) for the generous gifts. They could not stop smiling.
Please pass on our deep thanks to your volunteers [for helping these children in need due to]: financial instability due to unexpected crisis (job loss, illness, jail), sole parent/carer cost of living struggles, student in kinship care/foster care.

Cassie

SU Chaplain, 2025

Hi, I have recently become aware of 2 brothers in years Prep and One who have moved into a tent with their mother. With the weather getting colder, would it be possible to get a jumper for the boys as well as the other clothing items? ...What a wonderful, vital initiative! Thank you so much.
💕Note from CKKQ: This emergency request came during a cold wet rainy week. Our volunteers were so moved at the plight of these little boys living in a tent with their mum in the cold rain with almost nothing that they came in for an extra packing day just to complete this request as an emergency pack. ❣️ By chance, 2 sleeping bags, 2 puffer vests and 2 raincoats in exactly the right sizes had just been donated. Thank you to those in the community who donated these. Another example of Care Kits alleviating a dire need at precisely the right time.

Genevieve

SU Chaplain, 2024

We reached over 45 children who are experiencing homelessness with both the crisis bags as well as the blankets. The feedback was overwhelming and the gratitude both the children and parents showed was enormous. Some of the comments were
“Thank you so much. This is so amazing. It’s been so cold sleeping in the car so just to get some beanies, blankets and winter clothes to keep the kids warm is amazing”
One of the little girls in a pram with her brother picked her blanket colour. Her brother tried to take it off her and she yelled “Its my blankie not yours”
That morning was 5 degrees... to see kids with the crochet blankets keeping them warm... was amazing.
Such a beautiful surprise also in your bags of blankets were the booties and beanies. These were so well received.
The thought and care that goes into every single one of these bags from your organisation and volunteers is quite remarkable. So thank you again from the bottom of our hearts for doing what you do.

Andrea

Salvation Army, Moreton Bay Supported Accomodation Case Manager, 2025

I would just like to thank you for the amazing contribution that you guys make to our community! I am a carer myself, and I just think that these kits are so relevant and are really needed for our kids in care. So thank you for what you are doing.

Karly

Carer Engagement Coordinator F C Dec 2024

“As a supported accommodation service for families experiencing homelessness we have a regular influx of families arriving here to stay, often with very little. Families will stay at our service, being supported by our team of case workers, until we can secure them housing and see them thrive in their new home. The Care Kits are a wonderful way for us to welcome children and young people to the safety of our service and provide them with something special, that is just for them. The Care Kits are given out to the new families alongside Welcome Packs that we provide to every child and young person arriving here. The Care Kits have been tremendously well received. Of those distributed so far here are some highlights: Two Care Kits were given to two primary school-aged girls who up until arriving had been rough sleeping in a tent and in their car with their father and pregnant mother. The girls were really excited to receive the bags and we were later told by their father that they were wearing their new clothes straight away. The family were very grateful and explained that they barely had any clothes for the girls so the gift was really appreciated. We are very excited to gift the family a newborn Care Kit when they welcome their new baby in the New Year. Another single parent family was gifted three Care Kits for their children. The mother was fleeing domestic violence and had arrived in Queensland to couch surf with a friend until she was able to move into our service. The children had very little in the way of clothing, personal items or toys so the Kits were a very welcome touch. Thank you for continuing to provide such generous gifts to the children at our service. This kindness goes a long way to helping the children here feel supported and safe.”

Lucy

Supported Accommodation Uniting Care Family Services Dec 2024

The families that come to TG are experiencing homelessness. Our families are diverse and the circumstances that see them experiencing homelessness are varied and complex. The majority of our families are experiencing and fleeing family and domestic violence, but we also have families seeking asylum. All our families are experiencing financial hardship. Our families often have complex needs and our team of dedicated caseworkers work closely with families to address their immediate needs, provide opportunities to develop lifeskills where required, and ultimately support the families to secure housing. Once a family leaves TG, we provide outreach, to ensure the families are settled and able to maintain their tenancy. Families often arrive with very little, and the children in particular may have left treasured items at previous homes or motels. It is a very unsettling time for our families, and the children have often experienced trauma and a lot of change. We aim to make families time at TG feel safe, supported and enjoyable. Your Care Kits will be a much-appreciated addition... as well as providing age-appropriate resources... to make children arriving here feel special and respected.

Lucy

Supported Accommodation Uniting Care Family Services Oct 2024

Thank you for supporting the children currently housed in our refuge accommodation and for those within the community who require the immediate support that Care Kits provide.

Heather

Domestic Violence Service Bundaberg Oct 2024

We have received our order of Care Kits and would like to sincerely thank Care Kits for Kids Qld, organisations and community groups that generously provide donations for the purpose of enriching the lives of children. We acknowledge the time that has been spent in creating such a large assortment of handmade treasures. These items will make an enormous difference in the lives of children who are disadvantaged by circumstances that are beyond their control. We sincerely thank you for your support of our young people.

Karen

Brisbane Youth Education and Training Centre Jan 2024

I would like to acknowledge the hard efforts and amazing time you all volunteer to ensure that children and young people have the essential items they need. We have found these Care Kits incredibly valuable for our young patients.

Marissa

(ED, ICU &Children's Health Services PCH MNH) Dec 2023

I just wanted you to know that I picked up the rest of the donated [Care Kits] bags this morning. Staff at the front office were blown away at the size of donation...
. One little girl who has received a bag, came to school today with her hair done up in the little scrunchies from her bag, carrying the teddy that was also included, with a big smile on her face.
You are a fantastic group of people. I have told students in need that there a community of people who care for them packing and hand making the contents of the bag, made possible by the broader community who send donations. It’s a really beautiful example to show children, especially children who are feeling isolated in their home lives.

Gabby

(Social Worker) Oct 2023

You make such a profound difference - thank you!
Also just something to be shared with the team - another little girl in year 2 who had received a [Care Kit] bag was so proud of her bag that she wore the pink bag tag (the cardboard that says Care Kits for Kids, and the size of the clothing) as a necklace for the whole day yesterday. It’s so sweet just how appreciative they are of things other children in different circumstances might take for granted. Very special.

Gabby

(Social Worker) Oct 2023

Thank you again so much for your support. The children were absolutely blown away with the [Care Kit] gifts as were the parents.
Here are some of the comments that the kids/parents gave:
"Oh look mummy I have my own toothbrush now" (7yr old girl)
"Is this all for me?" (13yr girl)
"I am so grateful for this. I haven't been able to afford to buy the kids new pjs or a school bag so thank you so much" (Mother)
"OMG Minecraft pjs! NO WAY!! This is the best thing eva!!" (11yr old boy)
I wasn't able to get consent for pictures from the families unfortunately but can I say that there are no words to express the joy on their faces when we delivered these goodies!!!! ,

Andrea

IHRF Case Worker Oct 2023

After we received our first order, we had many students so excited when they received the Care Kits.
I remember clearly a student was running towards me with the big smile on her face saying: "Thank you for my new bag pack! and I even got new clothes in it. I don't have many clothes but this is so awesome!"
Also it seems like we have put a quite large order in this time.
It is winter time, and we have so many students coming in school and still wearing summer shorts.
The family situation is so complex and difficult, it would be so helpful to get some warm clothes for these kids.

Mia

Chaplain, R State School May 2023

I was working with a family where the mother escaped significant DV. This mother had 4 girls. When I came to the place they were staying, the children had no toys, clothes, underwear etc. I was able to take a Care Kit backpack out for each of them. These girls faces lit up; they all changed into brand new clothes and were so proud to show off their backpacks. It was a glimmer of goodness in a very challenging situation.

Teegan

Child Safety Officer Aug 2022

A young boy was removed due to physical abuse at the hands of his step mother. This child spent time in hospital and a lengthy recovery. On the day I removed the child, the family refused to let me take any clothes or belongings for him. This often occurs for our children. This meant the child came into the service centre with clothes that didn’t fit at all, no shoes, socks etc. We used one of the Care Kits provided to ensure he had clothes before going to hospital. He also was able to take this backpack to his new carers when he was discharged. He would have had nothing if it were not for the Care Kit!

Teegan

Child Safety Officer Aug 2022

The young girl would have been around 12. She came into the service centre with nothing. Her pants didn’t fit and she kept having to pull them up. She tried to use a hair band to stop them from falling down. We were able to give her a back pack with clothes that actually fit. She wrote me a note with a flower that said ’Thank you’. I still have this on my fridge at home to remind me of why I do what I do.

Teegan

Child Safety Officer Aug 2022

Hi, I am an emergency carer. I've recently had two kids, brother and sister 8 and 12 come stay. Your bags were THE best thing ever! They were so traumatised when they arrived but going through all the things from your org actually helped more than I can put into words. Thank you to all the people involved 🙏 ❤ keep up the great work 👍 👏

Rae

Emergency Foster Carer 2021

The packs you provided were so thoughtfully designed with every little detail so beautifully put together. They were honestly the best ones we’ve ever received…

Name Withheld

Support Worker 2021

Special request note on an order of Care Kits:
Can we please have lots of the crochet stress balls? The kids adore them.
So do we! 😀 Thank You All!!

Dept Child Safety 2021

To have this support during such a difficult time in their lives is also so appreciated by the families. To remove the added financial burden of buying toys and basic essentials for the children is so helpful…

Name withheld

Support Worker 2021

All of our mums stated how happy and grateful they were to receive a [Care Kit] pack. Many commented with surprise on how lovely the packs were and how kind the community had been…

Name withheld

Support Worker 2021

This [Care Kit] support was invaluable to our service and without it our families would have been under added financial stress and pressure, as they begin to rebuild theirs and their children's lives.

Name withheld

Support Worker 2021

[We] struggle with providing immediate assistance to teens on their arrival. We are seeing more and more teens requiring assistance... We appreciate all of your help as it directly assists the children and young people who have no one else to assist them.

Name withheld

Child Safety Worker 2021

Your Care Kits are amazing. They have everything a child needs and nothing that they shouldn’t have.

Name withheld

Child Safety Worker 2020

We certainly value these [Care Kits] as the children treasure these.

Name withheld

Child Safety Worker 2021

I thought I would just let you know I have started teaching our Year 9s how to knit so we can make some dolls and stress balls [for the Care Kits]

Name withheld

Year 10 Coordinator 2021

Just wanted to say a massive thank you for our Care Kits! Please sincerely thank all of your volunteers! Our team [were] so very excited to be able to deliver these amazing care kits to our children and young people who are coming into care. One of our carers thought they were the ‘best idea’ and really appreciated all of the handmade items! She loved the draw-string bags with the nappies and said she would use the backpack as a nappy bag!!! Please know we are extremely appreciative of all the hard work put into helping our little people!

Name withheld

Program Manager 2020

A lovely caring group of ladies who are impacting many children’s lives. Welcoming and friendly environment.

Michelle L

Facebook Review 2019

I wish they [Care Kits for Kids Qld Inc] were around in 1997 to support me.

Jocelyn S

Facebook Review 2020

It's a wonderful group of very friendly people. I enjoy knowing that we are providing support for [children] in need and I love the challenges we are given when sewing a variety of clothing that maybe I've never sewn before.

Marietta G

Facebook Review 2019

Awards and Grants

The Care Kits for Kids Qld Inc volunteer team and community has been recognised through Awards, and are very grateful to be partially funded by Grants and generous donations:

WINNER Bendigo Bank Community Group of the Year Award 2025 Report: 7NEWS Brisbane

WINNER Child Rights Champion Award 2024, Children’s Rights Queensland

WINNER Westfield Carindale Local Hero 2024 / $20k grant – Stephanie Hinrichs (Co-Founder) representing Care Kits for Kids Qld.

WINNER: Queensland Volunteering Impact Award (2024)
Presented in recognition of a community volunteering program or activity that has made a positive, measurable and sustainable social and/or economic impact on the Queensland community.

WINNER: QLD Family and Child Commission Dedicated to Supporting Young Queenslanders Award (2023)
Queensland Community Achievement Awards
The Queensland Family and Child Commission (QFCC) upholds a set of fundamental beliefs that underpin our commitment to supporting young Queenslanders. Established in 2014, the QFCC believes in promoting the safety, well-being, and best interests of children and young people, as well as the crucial roles of families and communities in protection and care. By sponsoring the Dedicated to Supporting Young Queenslanders Award, the QFCC further reinforces these beliefs by recognizing and celebrating individuals or organisations that share our vision and actively work towards empowering and uplifting young Queenslanders. This Award serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment to fostering a supportive environment for the growth and development of young people throughout the state.

FINALIST: Bendigo Bank Community Group of the Year Award (2023, 2022)
With a presence across cities, regions and remote areas, Bendigo Bank strives to support and be a part of the communities in which it operates. The Bendigo Bank Community Group of the Year Award recognises groups, organisations and not for profits that share a strong sense of team spirit and play a vital role in enhancing meaningful connections and social wellbeing in their community.
Whether it be working on an event, project, initiative, providing a service or program, support or any type of community activity, the award will recognise groups, organisations and not for profits that bring people together, by providing support programs and services, connection and engagement programs and encouraging inclusion for all members of the community.
It is important to recognise and celebrate these groups, as their efforts help to make strong and vibrant communities, which is a benefit to us all.

FINALIST: Queensland Community Volunteering Program Impact Award 2023
Presented in recognition of a community volunteering program or activity that has made a positive, measurable and sustainable social and/or economic impact on the Queensland community.

Fulton Hogan Charity Golf Day (2025)

Myer Community Fund Small Grants Program (2026, 2025)

Brisbane City Council Lord Mayor’s Better Suburbs Community Facility (2025)

Gambling Community Benefit Fund Queensland (2024)

CommBank Staff Foundation Grants Dec (2024 / 2021 / 2022)

Lord Mayors Charitable Trust Grants (2025 / 2024 / 2023 / 2022 / 2021)

Easts Leagues Foundation – Community Benefit Fund (2025 / 2024)

Brisbane City Council Lord Mayor’s Safer Suburbs (2024)

Civic Solutions Grant (2025, 2023)

JAL Dance for a Difference Concert (2024)

Griffith Volunteer Grant – Max Chandler-Mather MP (2024)

Officeworks Make A Difference Appeal (June 2023)

Club Southside Grants (2023)

Macquarie Group Foundation Grant (2023)

Brisbane Broncos Charity Fund Grant (2023)

Griffith Stronger Communities Grant – Max Chandler-Mather MP (2023)

Qld Line Dance Association (2023)

BMD Community Assistance Grant (2023)

Children’s Week Grant – Children’s Rights Queensland (2023, 2022)

Trefoil Guild Qld 2022/23

Kedron Wavell Services Inc Community Grant 2022

HIGHLY COMMENDED WasteSMART Community Award 2022
FINALIST Outstanding WasteSMART Award,
FINALIST People’s Choice WasteSMART Award (2021)

Lord Mayor’s Community Fund Grants (2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2019)

Westfield Carindale Local Heroes Award Finalist Grant (2022)

Westfund Sponsorship Grant (2021)

Who are we?

Care Kits for Kids Qld is a grass-roots not-for-profit DGR-registered charity based at 147 Samuel St Camp Hill, Queensland.

We provide free Care Kits to Qld organisations assisting children in dire need in care or crisis, who don’t have access to essentials and comforts most take for granted.

Five co-founders, Chris Rafter, Stephanie Hinrichs, Sandra Baker, Julie French and Matilda Frijters began Care Kits for Kids Qld Inc. in Feb 2018, immediately after a similar charity they were sewing for, Project Love and Care, closed.

Our current management team are: Julie French (President), Jacqui Avetisoff (Vice President/Assistant Secretary/Sewing Room Operations), Stephanie Hinrichs (Secretary/Social Media/Website/Grant Writer), Sandra Baker (Treasurer), Matilda Frijters (Packing Shed Operations), Jacqueline Nilon (Assistant Packing Shed Operations), and Petula McCartney (WHS Officer).

Our membership is currently over 150 volunteers.

Many community partnerships have been fostered, and Care Kits have reached children all over Queensland including west to Mt Isa and north to Cooktown with the help og generous trucking companies.

We are all volunteers, relying solely on donations, fundraising and grants to provide our comprehensive, free Care Kits at point of need.

Since 2018 we have assisted over 18,000 Qld children in need when entering emergency, foster or kin care or in crisis such as domestic violence and severe poverty, without access to the essentials and comforts we usually take for granted.
We can provide up to 4,700 Care Kits / year.

We are blessed to have an active community of amazing people from all sectors around Queensland who support us in so many ways.

Our own, and supporting, sewing, crafting and quilting communities are integral to meeting the need.
We welcome all ages from high school students to seniors, creating clothing, soft hearts, soft toys, bags, pencil cases, hair accessories, bracelets, quilts and wraps for our Care Kits from donated fabrics and yarn.

We actively encourage our community to support our #waronwaste and #circular economy ethics.

We also have many generous people, school children from early learning centres, schools and universities, service and social organisations, businesses, and community leaders who support us by
* providing items we need for the Care Kits,
* donating them via their local MP’s or Councillor’s‘ offices or Community Centres, or by
* donating financially so we can buy shortfalls, or by
* providing transport of Care Kits to remote and regional destinations.

These are acknowleged on Our Partners or on our Facebook Page.

Anything we can’t use is passed on to others who can use it.

We have the support of in-house and community sewing and craft groups who create clothing and other items for our Care Kits from donated fabrics and notions, supporting #waronwaste and #circulareconomy ethics.

About Us

Reviews & Impact Stories

Awards and Grants

Who are we?

What do we do?

We #giveback

We are #community

We #waronwaste

We #educate

We #fillthegap

We Are #childsafe

Care Kits for Kids Qld Inc