Young people using the services of YMCA Derbyshire have been given a helping hand into their own homes this Christmas thanks to kind-hearted families at a local primary school.
Children at Sale & Davys CE Primary School in Barrow-upon-Trent – part of Derby Diocesan Academy Trust – have come up with an unusual new fundraiser this year which involves families buying and donating practical goods such as cutlery, cleaning spray, tea towels and bags of sugar.
The school has put up a Christmas tree decorated with special baubles, each of which represents a kitchen item that would benefit a young person at the YMCA who needs support moving into an independent private rental.
Parents have enthusiastically responded to the challenge and have contributed a big pile of items to help make life easier for someone who is facing independent living for the first time.
The goods donated by families have been used to make special ‘moving on’ kitchen boxes to help young people who have used the services of YMCA Derbyshire.
Headteacher Sarah Briggs said children at the school had been very keen to help the YMCA after a charity representative had come in for an assembly and explained the difficulties facing some young people.
She said the school had come up with the idea of using baubles on a Christmas tree to represent particular items that parents could then contribute.
Children have already raised money to make bedroom starter packs for the YMCA by coming into school with messy hair and pyjamas.
She said: “So many parents have come up to me and said they really love the YMCA project we are doing. They have told me how excited their children are about it. Rather than donating cash, it’s a more physical thing that people can see and know they are making a positive contribution. It has been really important in helping the children understand they can make a difference rather than just giving money.”
Children at the school said how much they had enjoyed helping make up the kitchen boxes.
Carter Hayford-Tawiah, a year five pupil at the school, said: “When someone goes to the YMCA they can give them all these things that they need.”
Year six pupil Sophie Tse added: “We can give them a happy Christmas and let them be more comfortable.”
Thomas Rowlands, in year five, said his family had contributed a kettle while other children had donated items such as tea towels.
Grace Harrison, Director of Development at YMCA Derbyshire, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the children, families and staff at Sale & Davys CE Primary School for their kindness and generosity. Moving into accommodation for the first time can sometimes be a daunting experience for young people, and having practical items like these can make a huge difference in helping them feel settled and supported. This thoughtful initiative will help young people take an important step forward with confidence, and it truly captures the spirit of Christmas.”
Dr Sarah Clark, chief executive officer of Derby Diocesan Academy Trust, said: “We encourage a spirit of giving in all our schools and Sale & Davys has really got into the festive spirit with this fabulous campaign for the YMCA. It’s very important to remember that not everybody is fortunate at Christmas time. I’m happy that the efforts of families at Sale & Davys will be making a difference for young people at the YMCA this Christmas.”
This story was written and shared on behalf of the Derby Diocesan Academy Trust by Lucy Stephens. Can we share your news and get you in the headlines too? Find out how we can help by getting in touch.
