Avalanche of Christmas giving to Foodbank descends on academy

By Jill Dando News

Students, parents, carers, staff and the community have dropped huge amounts of food and items to The King Alfred School Academy, in Highbridge, Somerset.

Students and staff have been gathering the items at the school gates, and it is now in quarantine ready for delivery to Foodbank.

The giving came towards the end the academy’s “Reverse Advent” and “12 Days of Christmas” campaigns. 

Principal Nathan Jenkins said: “This is truly phenomenal giving from our Academy and the community. Thank you to everyone who has donated to this wonderful charity.”

The campaigns have been encouraging students to donate much needed food and non perishable items to the local Foodbank and every evening showcase a students’ talent via video.

This is the third year the school has supported the Foodbank through the Reverse Advent Calendar project but it is especially important this year as the demand now is higher than ever. 

Organiser Baylea Charles said: “The Foodbank needs donations more than ever before and already our amazing students, families and staff are busy making sure this is a huge success. 

“I am incredibly proud to be part of The King Alfred School Academy, working with a team of people trying to make a difference every day and positively helping our community.”

Due to the pandemic, the school are having to do things a little bit differently this year.

The Sixth Form students have partnered with local supermarkets Tesco and Asda who have supported our project by donating items and loaning trolleys to enable the collection of donations from students and staff as they arrive at the school gates.

President and Vice President of the 6th From Student Union, Jack Millier and Mia Nisa have been fundamental in leading this project across the school working with staff, students and stakeholders in the community.