CARING children at Royal School for the Deaf Derby have donated food and treats to share out among the deaf community at Christmas.
Youngsters, their parents and staff at the historic Ashbourne Road school were inspired to bring in the contributions after receiving their own support from the bakery Greggs.
The company has donated money to enable the school to run a breakfast club for pupils, ensuring they have a nourishing start to the school day.
From left, pupils Paul Allen (15), Robert Allen (14) and Kyle Griffiths (14).
The bakery also provided hampers for the children which gave them the idea to bring in chocolates, drinks and essentials for other members of the deaf community, who may be in need of support.
Head teacher Helen Shepherd said: “We so appreciate the funding we receive from Greggs. The breakfast club in particular has been very well received, ensuring the children don’t start the day with an empty tummy.
“We are lucky to receive a lot of support from the community and businesses in Derbyshire, both financially and in terms of volunteers, so it’s important for us to encourage our students to make a difference to other peoples’ lives.
“We have extremely close ties with the deaf community. We hope that these gifts spread a little Christmas cheer after what has been a difficult year for everyone.”
The deaf population of Derby is six times the size of the national average and wherever possible the school includes the community in the education of its children, particularly work around deaf heritage.
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Royal School for the Deaf Derby is a registered charity and relies on donations to keep offering an education to children aged between three and 19 years of age.
Helen added: “2020 has been an extremely challenging year for everyone, but we are aware that the deaf community may be feeling even more isolated than normal this Christmas.
“Face masks make it hard for them to lip read and they may not have been able to meet up so often with other members of the deaf community.
“We hope these Christmas food parcels help them understand that there are people in Derby who are thinking about them.”
ENDS
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