‘Thankful’ pupils help collect food to help people less fortunate
Hundreds of city schoolchildren help those affected by Covid-19
SCHOOL students have been gathering food donations to help people in their community who are in need.
Pupils at Newbridge Junior School in Fratton are among hundreds of schoolchildren supporting Portsmouth’s citywide harvest, With Thankful Hearts.
It was set up to help those who have been affected by the Covid-19 outbreak and those who are in need of support going into the winter months.
Each class has been collecting tinned and canned goods, pasta, rice and other dried foods and there is a box in the school office for members of the public to donate into.
One Year 5 pupil at Newbridge said: ‘Other people aren’t as fortunate as we are. We are really lucky that we can have a snack whenever we want it.
‘We wake up in the morning knowing we will have breakfast, we know that mum will make us a packed lunch and that we will have dinner.
‘Other people aren’t as lucky.’
Canon Bob White, vicar of St Mary’s Church in Fratton, led a virtual collective worship on a Harvest theme at the school last week.
This was to encourage the children to be thankful for what they have and how the items they donate will help people through winter.
He said: ‘It has been good to be able to share with local schools the message of Harvest.
‘Although leading assemblies remotely is a new experience, it is important we encourage our young people to reflect on the things they can so often take for granted and find ways of expressing thanks for them.’
The campaign was launched on September 16 and is supported by churches of all denominations, Portsmouth City Council, Hive Portsmouth, The News and agencies working with vulnerable families.
Schools, churches and libraries across Portsmouth have become donation points and, after October 4, the items will then be distributed to food banks and other charities who would normally be supported at Harvest festivals.
Surplus items will be stored centrally by the Hive to be given to organisations as needs arise.
We are really lucky that we can have a snack whenever we want it. Newbridge Junior School Year 5 pupil