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Greenacre Academy, Walderslade, hands out Christmas hampers

Greenacre Academy in Walderslade has never forgotten the needs of its most vulnerable pupils.

Despite the challenges all schools have faced this year, it managed to create PPE for care homes while collecting donations for a food bank.

English mentor Chloe Leicester-Smith from the Greenacre Acadmey, in Walderslade. Picture: Frances Pardell
English mentor Chloe Leicester-Smith from the Greenacre Acadmey, in Walderslade. Picture: Frances Pardell

Teachers bought food at supermarkets and delivered them personally to the most vulnerable pupils and their families.

Before the end of term, it also managed to create 39 food boxes which have been handed out to families associated with the school who need them the most.

The school received donations from staff, families of students and people from the wider community.

Tesco in New Hythe and the Co-op in Walderslade also donated large parcels of goods.

Head teacher Shelly Bridger said: "Nobody should be deprived of a happy Christmas and our pastoral care of our pupils does not stop at the end of term.

Staff members (From left) Alexendra Lyng, Liam Reardon, Chloe Leicester-Smith, Charlotte Bennett and Jackie wall prepare gift boxes as part of Greenacre Academy's 2020 Christmas present donation scheme. Picture: Frances Pardell
Staff members (From left) Alexendra Lyng, Liam Reardon, Chloe Leicester-Smith, Charlotte Bennett and Jackie wall prepare gift boxes as part of Greenacre Academy's 2020 Christmas present donation scheme. Picture: Frances Pardell

"We have put together substantial meal packages in the hampers, with every hamper having chicken, stuffing, gravy, fresh vegetables eggs, butter.

"They include necessities such as toilet rolls, toiletries, household cleaning products, tins of food, pasta etc.

"We think they are incredible and its been made possible by the generosity of our staff, our parents and local businesses in the community.

"We can't thank everyone enough, it is truly overwhelming.

"There are also beauty hampers for the mums who need a bit of pampering, even a newborn one for one of our mums who is expecting.

Sarah Wilson and her son Jake received a food parcel from Greenacre Academy. Picture: Frances Pardell
Sarah Wilson and her son Jake received a food parcel from Greenacre Academy. Picture: Frances Pardell

"This is a huge operation as well as running a school.

It's been a terribly difficult year for everyone and we've done our best to ensure everyone can enjoy and experience a happy Christmas."

Sarah Wilson, who received one of the parcels with her son Jake, said: "As a family, we appreciate this so much and we can finally look forward to Christmas now."

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