Primary school extends hand of friendship to Doncaster homeless residents

Youngsters from the school on Coventry Grove, Wheatley, learned about homelessness during the last half term – leading them to take steps to help them by creating and filling sacks with items to help those with no where to live over Christmas.

They made the sacks from scratch – from sewing them to filling them with essential and luxury items.

The children hope the sacks will ‘send some Christmas spirit’ to local homeless people this week. The pupils have filled the sacks with at least 10 items, including hygiene items, clothing to help them keep warm, sweet and savoury treats, plus a Christmas card and a handwritten letter.

The 50 sacks were delivered by Kingfisher teachers and pupils to Doncaster Homelessness Outreach Services on December 19. The organisation offers support to rough sleepers in the town.

After learning about homelessness this term, Esme Wilson, a pupil in year three pupil at Kingfisher, said: “Before we started learning about homelessness, I didn't know that there were people out there with nowhere to stay and no food to eat. I was most shocked when I learnt that 88 per cent of homeless people across Doncaster once had a full-time job, and that nine times out of 10 it isn't their fault that they have become homeless.”

Aleksandra Rychter, another year three pupil said: “We have tried to make a difference to the homeless peoples’ lives and I now want to encourage more people to do the same.”

Hayden Boyes, also in year three, added: “I am proud of myself and my classmates because we are helping people who are often ignored by others.”

Mellissa Morrice, assistant principal at Kingfisher Primary Academy, part of Astrea Academy Trust, said: “It is so wonderful to see our pupils writing about what they have learned this term so eloquently. Learning about homelessness has certainly had a big impact on them, they are now thinking of ways to continue to support rough sleepers and others more broadly. At Kingfisher, kindness is at the heart of everything we do.”