Pupils at Castleford school collect hundreds of pounds worth of food for families in need with reverse advent calendar

Families in need will be given a reason to smile this Christmas, thanks to a charitable collection from a group of schools.
By Holly Gittins
Published 22nd Dec 2020, 12:30 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Pupils at schools run by the Bishop Konstant Catholic Academy Trust have collected hundreds of pounds worth of food ahead of Christmas as part of a reverse advent calendar.

The novel idea flips the traditional advent calendar upside down, encouraging people who would usually treat themselves to a chocolate each day to instead donate an item of food to those in need.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The charity appeal was based on an idea from Sarah Spencer, headteacher at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Castleford, and was then rolled out to the Trust’s other schools.

Most Popular
A donation has been made to a foodbank as a result of a 'Reverse Advent Calendar' at St Joesphs School in Castleford Left to right: Samuel Rhodes, Lyla Dyson, Sarah Spencer, food bank coordinator Tim Weeks and Coun Richard Forster. Picture Scott MerryleesA donation has been made to a foodbank as a result of a 'Reverse Advent Calendar' at St Joesphs School in Castleford Left to right: Samuel Rhodes, Lyla Dyson, Sarah Spencer, food bank coordinator Tim Weeks and Coun Richard Forster. Picture Scott Merrylees
A donation has been made to a foodbank as a result of a 'Reverse Advent Calendar' at St Joesphs School in Castleford Left to right: Samuel Rhodes, Lyla Dyson, Sarah Spencer, food bank coordinator Tim Weeks and Coun Richard Forster. Picture Scott Merrylees

Mrs Spencer said: “Christmas can be a very difficult time for lots of families for a range of reasons, and this year the virus has placed even more pressure on families.

“Our school are always looking for ways to reach out to the community and we thought this would be a great way to help those in the greatest need.”

St Joseph’s partnered with Castleford’s Food Bank at The Link, who support families experiencing difficulties over the festive period.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Councillor Richard Forster, who supported the school with the advent calendar collection, said: “This is such a fantastic idea and I know that the gifts of food and Christmas treats given as part of this project will be gratefully received by The Link.

“As well as supporting families throughout the year, they make a special effort to ensure the Christmas hampers not only look good they contain extra special treats for all the family.”

As part of the Give a Little Kindness campaign, your Express is highlighting the amazing work carried out in our communities.

In recent weeks, we’ve highlighted the incredible work of Claire Wilson, who produced dozens of hot chocolate cones for her friends and colleagues; Jess Tighe, who collected donations for the children’s ward at Pinderfields Hospital, and seven-year-old Ella Hoult, who raised more than £100 for rough sleepers in Wakefield by auctioning off her collection of Disney Princess dresses.

Related topics:Castleford