Festive boxes for the homeless
LOUGHBOROUGH College students have put the finishing touches on Christmas Day boxes they created for a local homeless charity.
The venture was originally intended to produce one box but received such an overwhelming response from the Business BTEC students that they eventually filled 13 packages. These were being distributed to be opened alongside Christmas dinner by Exaireo Trust, who provide temporary accommodation and access to a range of services to homeless adults in the town.
BTEC Business lecturer Emma Crossley said: “Our students leapt at the chance to offer their support – they said that although they are really stressing about deadlines and assessment grades they wanted to try to help other people dealing with much harder issues in a community they are part of every day they come to Loughborough College.
“As they wrapped the boxes they talked about how it was nice to think about someone other than themselves and to contribute to a charity which helps people find a home and stay healthy.
“The learner reps Shannon King and William Spary organised everyone and more than 20 students brought in a range of things for the packages including basics such as toothpaste, toothbrushes and deodorant, items to keep people warm, such as hats, gloves and scarves and treats which would hopefully brighten Christmas Day, such as chocolate.
“They also came up with the idea of adding a personal message to each box such as, ‘Happy Christmas. We hope this year brings good things for you.’ I was very proud of them.”