BIG hearted pupils have collected a mountain of groceries to donate to their local foodbank.
Cereals, pasta, soup, teabags, sugar, biscuits, beans, rice, tinned meat and fruit were among the many foodstuffs amassed by pupils and staff at West Park Academy, Darlington, to help people living in the town who are struggling to buy food for themselves and their families.
The magnificent haul, of non-perishable goods, was collected on behalf of the Kings Church Food Bank, on Whessoe Road, which provides weekly food parcels to those most in need.
The donations were presented to church representative Caroline Todd who was invited to speak to pupils at a special whole school assembly.
“The Kings Church Food Bank supports around 60 to 70 people and their families every week,” said Caroline.
“Everyone who comes to our food bank has a different reason for being there. They may have problems with their benefits and can’t afford to buy food, some people have lost their income through unemployment, ill health or even separation, but we are there to help everyone in need.
“This magnificent collection of food really shows the heart of the people here at West Park Academy who by bringing in just one small item each have come together to help so many others who find themselves facing hard times.”
Following the assembly pupils helped to load up dozens of carrier bags to transport the groceries to the Kings Church.
Assistant principal Julie Gibson said: “This is the second food bank collection that West Park Academy has been involved in and I am overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone who has donated to our appeal.
“It has been very important for our pupils to learn about food banks, why they are needed and how their donations go to help people in the community who really need our help.”
Donations to the Kings Church Food bank can be made Monday to Friday at Whessoe Road or through donation boxes in Sainsbury’s, Victoria Road, or the Co-op supermarkets in Cockerton and on North Road.