It was part of a Bendigo South East College initiative in line with the year level theme, 'appreciation', to connect the students' learning to their community.

Year level co-ordinator Wade McMillan said it was also about the students giving back, gaining an appreciation for these organisations in the Bendigo community and what they do, and strengthening their connection to the community.

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Fifteen of the students lent a hand to Sunshine Bendigo, the non-profit organisation that helps families with young children in need.

"It's great for us to get some more hands... and it's good to expose the kids to what we do, and the need in the community," Sunshine Bendigo's Glenda Serpell said.

The students will participate in another volunteering day in term four.

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