Primary school children across Bradford have been getting into the Christmas spirit by supporting their community.
Pupils from High Crags Primary Leadership Academy, Thornbury Primary Leadership Academy, Rainbow Primary Leadership Academy, and Barkerend Primary Leadership Academy were part of the huge efforts.
It was part of Star Academies’ Winter Gift Programme, an annual campaign which sees pupils and staff get involved in acts of kindness, charity and volunteering.
High Crags Primary Leadership Academy carefully packed and decorated stunning gift hampers for 45 residents living at Hallcroft, a residential home near the school.
It came after students put on a festive performance for residents and handed out homemade cards featuring messages of hope and kindness.
The school’s regular foodbank also remains open during winter and 30 food hampers are donated to vulnerable families every month.
Over at Thornbury Primary Leadership Academy, pupils have been raising funds for their hampers through a variety of fun activities.
Older pupils have made sold ornaments, cake and sweet cones, and even took part in a crazy hair day and wet sponge activity.
The school’s hampers were distributed to Mill Lodge Care Centre, Bradford Royal Infirmary’s toy appeal and the Salvation Army’s Shoe Box Appeal.
Barkerend Primary Leadership Academy chose to donate their hampers to residents of Shakespeare Court, a home close to the school where friendships are already shared between the young and old.
Their fundraising activities included a cake sale, a school bake off contest and a chocolate tombola.
Earlier in December, pupils and staff visited the care home to spread kindness and joy amongst the elderly residents by playing games, giving out handmade cards and personalised gift hampers.
Pupils also visited Chestnut Lodge residential home to perform Christmas songs which spread warmth and delight to residents on a cold winter’s day.
The school also supported the Salvation Army’s Shoebox Appeal – donating toys and gifts to children who might not otherwise receive a Christmas present – and Bradford Hospitals’ Charity through a Christmas Jumper Day.
Meanwhile students at Rainbow Primary Leadership Academy donated gifts and treats for the residents of Mary Seacole Court.
a residential home close to the school. Pupils and staff visited the home to spread kindness, friendship and joy amongst the elderly residents. After performing songs, the pupils presented residents with gifts and handmade cards.
The school community has also generously donated gifts and food for homeless young people in Bradford. Pupils have beautifully gift wrapped the parcels before donating them to Bradford Nightstop for distribution to the young people it supports.
The academy trust’s scheme receives funding from Bradford Council’s holiday activities and food (HAF) programme.
Helen Ray, principal at High Crags Primary Leadership Academy, said: “Our Winter Gift Programme not only supports the most vulnerable members of our community, but affords our pupils the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and to experience the personal satisfaction that comes from demonstrating kindness and helping those less fortunate."
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