Flood assistance- Back, from left: Megan Game, Jean Butler, Ron Butler, Sonya Boloski and Westpac Bank Manager Paul Whitehead. Front: Chloe Hayes, Casey Hayes and Tamika Cahill. 58635 Picture: Donna O

PAKENHAM community groups and businesses are working together to assist Queensland families affected by the disastrous floods.
Pakenham Girl Guides and Pakenham Lions, along with Tour Local and Westpac, are collecting soft toys and money to send to the Sunshine State.
Tour Local director Joanne Staindl-Johnson said being able to hug a soft toy during times of distress could make a big difference for children displaced by the floods.
“The Guides have experience with doing this sort of thing; they collected near-new toys after Black Saturday,” she said.
“And with the Lions there are no overheads, so all the money is going directly to those in need.”
Donations can be dropped off at Tour Local, at 1/38 Main Street, or Westpac Pakenham, before 17 January.
People can also donate at a barbecue to be held outside Safeway on 22 January.
The group is still working on transport arrangements – any offers of help or queries, call Joanne on 5941 8800.