SCHOOLCHILDREN have been praised for supporting their local foodbank – including one youngster who used her birthday money to boost the collection of donations.
Wolsingham School pupils have again amassed a large Christmas collection of essential items for the Weardale Foodbank.
They included 12-year-old Holly Hewitt, who spent her birthday money in a shop at Consett, where she lives, to buy food for the charity.
“Some people can’t afford necessities, and I just wanted to play my part, so they don’t go hungry,” said Holly.
Alasdair Gascoigne, also 12, was another Wolsingham pupil who played a starring role in the school’s foodbank collection. He borrowed a shopping trolley from his local community centre in Sunniside and filled it to the brim before bringing it into school.
“We’re lucky that we don’t need this kind of help but lots of other people do, so it’s important that we do what we can to help – especially at this time of year,” said Alasdair.
Each tutor group was entered into a competition to complete a list of food categories, while house captains went round the classes encouraging donations.
Liz Curry and Jo Hayes, volunteers at Weardale Foodbank, came into the school to view the collection and thank the pupils.
Liz said: “It’s phenomenal what the school has done because there’s such a need for this kind of support in the community. The school is well known for being part of the community and this is another example.
“We distribute around 20 bags of food every week, so we’re very grateful to the school for such an amazing effort. It really makes a difference.”
Wolsingham headteacher Nick Mitchinson said: “One of our school values is to be kind, and the pupils have lived up to that yet again by showing they care about those in the local community who need support at this time of year.
“The selflessness displayed by Holly and Alasdair epitomises that community spirit, and I couldn’t be prouder of how the school has responded.”
