Wangaratta High School students have dug deep to help support those less fortunate, raising $900 for Donna Vickers' Wangaratta-based not for profit 'Unleash the Joy'.

Hundreds of students recently came to school in their pyjamas, enjoyed a sausage sizzle, brownies and cakes for brunch, and participated in novelty games to back Donna's charity, which has helped hundreds of primary and secondary students with school supplies and other basic necessities over the past two years.

Art teacher Hailey Ronald said Donna approached the school and the SRC and prefects were quick to get behind the cause.

"It's a great initiative and the kids were really keen to support it... the SRC and prefects donated $400 towards the fundraiser," she said.

Donna said she was overwhelmed by the support, which was needed more now that ever.

"We've certainly seen a big demand for what we do," she said.

"We help families and students by providing school supplies such as books, stationery, uniforms, back packs, drink bottles and toiletry bags, most of which are donated by local businesses.

"The whole aim is to help kids have what they need for school.

"We're seeing families, single parent families, grand parents caring for children and students living on their own.

“Every child deserves to walk into school in their uniform and a backpack with everything that they need because it stops a lot of the bully stigma and it helps that child feel like they’re just like everybody else.”

Uncle Tobys has been a big supporter too, donating cereals which Donna sells to raise funds to help buy school supplies.

Donna said a number of hairdressers had come onboard to provide free haircuts, and dentists were also helping with children's dental needs.

"What we'd really like too is a hub," she said.

"My house is full of supplies and we'd like a space so we can store them, as well as being able to offer a space for families to use for special events such as birthdays...and we could also use for craft days and other kids activities."

For more details see the Unleash the Joy Facebook page, and if you'd like to support/donate/sponsor email Donna at missdondons64@gmail.com