Christmas spirit is alive in Preston's schools

Pupils at Eden Boys’ School in the city have been taking part in a host of different activities to raise funds to help spread cheer and comfort to people facing hardship during the festive season.

One event alone, the school’s ‘Wear a coloured jubba day’, where pupils were asked to swap their uniforms and fill the school with joy by wearing bright colours for a day, helped to swell funds by more than £1,200.

The money was used to bring comfort and joy to young and old. Toys and gifts were bought to help entertain patients spending Christmas on the Children’s Ward at Royal Preston Hospital. while hampers filled with gifts and notes of friendship were also made and sent to residents in local care homes.

The school also joined with others in it's Star Academies group schools to take part in ‘Food for All Week’.

The week, which runs until until December 13, sees all 29 schools across the multi-academy trust aiming to distribute 50,000 food parcels and meals to those experiencing food poverty.

Eden's principal Nafisa Patel, said: "Each year, I am truly astounded by the incredible spirit with which our pupils, parents and staff, dedicate themselves to our Festive Winter Gift charitable campaign.

This year, the Covid-19 pandemic has meant even more people in our local community are facing loneliness and hardship.

"Our wonderful pupils saw that need and worked even harder than ever to raise funds to show people kindness and consideration during the festive season.

"We are very grateful to everyone who supported our campaign and helped to shine a light in times of darkness."

Meanwhile, the staff at Fulwood Academy have created almost 100 festive hampers to help families manage some of the pressures of the festive season.

The hampers, which were funded by the Dunstone Education Trust, contained essential and nutritional food items, as well as Christmas treats, and follow a similar initiative from staff during the first national lockdown.

Headteacher at the Black Bull Lane school David Lancaster, said: "Covid has hit many of our families hard, from a health and wellbeing perspective – but also financially.

"This project really shows how our whole school community comes together for each other when it is needed most. The financial assistance from the Dunstone Education Trust is fantastic, but so many staff have also volunteered their time with the logistical arrangements and to supplement what we can offer."

He added: "I am so proud that they have worked tirelessly to make sure help is offered to our students and their families to try and alleviate some of the pressures this Christmas."

Joan Dean, the chairman of trustees, said: "The best interests of our students are really at the heart of what we do, both educationally and socially. We are delighted to be able to support our amazing staff to help families of children at our school."