Schoolkids serve up big helping of festive spirit

The heap of grub was given so some of the town’s most vulnerable young people won’t go hungry this Christmas, and amounted to 13 trays packed with long-life items such as pasta and rice, as well as tasty treats like biscuits, chocolate, and even cake mix.

It was delivered by seven Year Six pupils at 10am yesterday, before they were given a tour of the charity’s base in Buchanan Street, central Blackpool, and a talk about how it has helped some of the town’s homeless
 population.

Teacher Julie Barr said the youngsters had been learning about helping others in class, and decided they wanted to help Streetlife after doing their own research.

The idea was then put before the School Council before letters were sent home to 
parents.

“We asked for donations to help young people in Blackpool who are not as lucky as us have the best Christmas they could possibly have,” Julie said.

“The children are amazing, particularly this group. They are very caring, sensitive, and nurturing.”

Caitlin McGovern, 11, from class 6D, added: “We found out about Christmas hampers and giving food.

“We said we could make videos to show the other children and get them to donate some food to Streetlife.

“By the time this food runs out, it will be time for the next Harvest festival!”

Samira Dorrington, also 11, from 6R, added: “Streetlife is important because if it wasn’t here, and there were no other charities, there would be nothing for the homeless people to depend on.”

Kealan Hibbert-Barrow, 10, from 6D, said: “This makes me proud because the school has spent time to get food in for the homeless.”

And Keegan O’Connor, 11, from 6BR, added: “I feel proud and I feel excited for the people that get to have this food.

“Out of everything, I would like to have the chocolate!”

Streetlife provides shelter and support for people under the age of 26.

Chief executive officer Jane Hugo said: “We have developed a lovely relationship with Layton school. We get a lot of support from schools and churches locally, but in the past few weeks Layton have gone out of their way to research the charity and homelessness in Blackpool, and have put a lot of effort into finding out what we do.

“It’s lovely to see them taking such great interest in the local community and the visit was really special.

“The donations will mean a great deal to the young people we work with.”