Sheffield students spread festive cheer by handing out Christmas hampers to vulnerable members of community

Yewlands Academy, in Grenoside, has been delivering Christmas hampers to members of the surrounding community for over 20 years in the hope of helping those who may otherwise go without over the festive season.

Each year they are filled with an array of goodies ranging from dried food such as pasta and coffee, to canned goods and toiletries with some fluffy socks and winter wear thrown in as well.

After spending around a week compiling this year’s stash, five students from the Junior Leadership Team joined school staff to drop off the care packages with vulnerable and elderly people from a list of nominees compiled by staff and the young people themselves.

Assistant headteacher Nikki Bissett said: “We are at the heart of the community, it is a fantastic community to serve and we just want to give something back each year to those in need.

“Any hampers that we have left will all be donated to the food banks, and lots of our parents have brought in extra donations for them. We’ll be giving to, in particular, the Parson Cross Initiative Projects (PXI) at Mount Tabour Methodist Church. The school works closely with them throughout the year and are also donating our Christmas jumper day money to them on Friday.”

A total of 40 hampers were created this year thanks to the donations by staff, students and their families.

Margaret Thwaites, 86, of Fox Hill Drive, was brought to tears after receiving hers.

She said: “It’s such a shock, I feel like I’m in a dream and I’m shaking. I lost my husband in May 2018 and live alone now so can’t bring myself round to the idea of Christmas. I’m just so thrilled and can’t believe it, it’s wonderful.”

Dorothy Goodison, 81, was nominated by Year 11 student Amy Jones who lives nearby on Chaucer Road. She said: “I think it’s a wonderful thing I really do. When I opened the door I was surprised to see the young ones. Receiving the hamper will help a lot especially at this time of year.”

Amy added: “I live next door and we’ve always made sure to look after her, it’s just nice to be able to help someone you know and to make sure they’re OK.”