St Sampson’s High pupils embrace season of giving
St Sampson’s High pupils have been competing to donate to the Guernsey Welfare Service, as the charity has its busiest festive period yet.
The reverse advent calendar initiative encourages students to donate a range of food and sanitary items to those who are struggling around the Christmas period.
More than 300 items were donated, with pasta, soup and toothpaste the most popular items this year, ready to be collected by the Welfare Service.
It has been a second successful year for the school’s scheme.
This year, to encourage students to donate, teacher Sarah Diaz, who headed the initiative, challenged form groups to see who could bring in the most donations. This helped to create a bit of friendly rivalry among pupils.
‘It is really important for the children at our school to realise how fortunate they are and that not everyone is in the same position as them,’ she said.
Guernsey Welfare Service service manager Sue Le Friec said that it would be supporting in excess of 750 households this year – more than last year. The service helps a variety of people who find themselves in financial need.
‘This has been the Guernsey Welfare’s busiest year as of yet, and is set to be our busiest December,’ she said.
‘All donations are greatly appreciated.
'We couldn’t exist without donations so we are very grateful.
‘It is really great for schools to raise awareness for those struggling and help young people to look outwardly and support others.’
Pupil Eleanor Wadley, 12, said it was really important to help individuals in need.
‘It makes me really happy to know that we are able to provide for people who are struggling.’
Mia De Carteret, 11, said that she had helped Mrs Diaz to collect donations.
‘It was very fun. Every morning I felt very excited to collect the items.’
The school hopes to continue the reverse advent calendar as an annual initiative.
The Guernsey Welfare Service has urged anyone who is struggling or needs help this Christmas to reach out. The charity is available until 23 December and the phone number is 07839 724300. The GWS has a shopping list of items it needs for its food bank on its website – www.guernseywelfare.com/food-bank. The three most-needed items are pasta sauces, tinned vegetables and Christmas items. There are collection points at larger supermarkets.
