Shannon Hillman (left), Salvation Army Captain Christopher Garcia, Taylor Stafford and Katie Blackney are looking forward to the new dropin centre opening in Pakenham.By Callan Date
BORING Friday nights will soon be a thing of the past for Pakenham teenagers, with a new youth dropin program set to open later this month at the Salvation Army centre in Baldhill Road.
PlayStation games, new release movies and various sports will be included in the fully supervised night of activities aimed at years 7 to 10 students.
The free pilot project is a joint initiative by the Pakenham Salvation Army and Cardinia Shire, and has been designed to offer a safe and fun environment for local youth.
Project coordinator Danielle Williamson said the dropin centre was seeking donations from local businesses and other organisations to ensure the program would run to its full potential.
“We would really appreciate help from anyone who may be able to give items we could use to help make the dropin centre a great place to spend time,” Ms Williamson said.
“Among the items we are hoping for are two PlayStation consoles, sporting equipment, pool cues and balls, along with food and soft drink donations from supermarkets.”
The program opens at 6pm on Friday 30 June in the Salvation Army centre, and will continue on the last Friday of every month.
“It’s a safe, friendly and fully supervised environment for kids to hang out and enjoy various activities with each other.”
Anyone able to give items to the Salvation Army dropin centre, or who is interested in being there on the night, can contact Danielle Williamson on 5941 4906.
