COMMUNITY-spirited students have been putting others first as thoughts turn to helping the needy at Christmas.
The generosity of students at The King’s Academy and their families crossed international borders in Christmas collections to help poor children in Eastern Europe and Africa, and those left homeless by the Philippines typhoon.
Every year the academy, in Coulby Newham, asks students to collect gifts, toiletries and toys to be packed in shoeboxes for the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child appeal.
This year 275 shoeboxes were collected and are now on their way to bring Christmas cheer to children.
At the same time, students and staff have been donating and raising money for the Philippines Typhoon Appeal.
Principal Chris Drew set a target to raise £2,000 in two weeks, but donors have already smashed that by giving £2,900, and money is still coming in.
Assistant vice principal Carey Brownless, who organised the appeals, said: “Our families show incredible generosity every year at this time when we launch the shoebox appeal.
“To have still collected 275 boxes at the same time as we asked staff and students to donate money just shows great all round charitable spirit from our school community. We’re very proud to have provided so much for both causes.”
