A women’s refuge has been ‘overwhelmed’ by the generosity of local secondary school students who have shown an abundance of festive goodwill.
Before breaking for their Christmas holiday, Year 7 pupils at the Marlborough Science Academy in Watling Street collected donations for the St Albans and Hertsmere Women’s Refuge, after learning that the festive season was not so jolly for some families.
They generously gave gifts for the mums to wrap for their children for Christmas, such as toys, art and craft sets, toiletries, knitted hats and gloves, books and colouring pens.
A spokesperson for the refuge said: “We were overwhelmed with the kindness and generosity of the pupils. The gifts so kindly given make such a difference to families staying with us at Christmas.”
Other year groups collected non-perishable food items for the Trussell Trust, which provides emergency food and support to people in crisis, and has been collecting for the St Albans and District Foodbank.
Also, about £330 was raised for Guide Dogs for the Blind, at lunchtime charity sales and tombola events.
The school has been donating to the charity for the past decade and has had several sponsored puppies, the progress of which has been followed with regular ‘pupdates’.
Headteacher Annie Thomson said: “Helping people in the local community is something we are very proud of here at Marlborough.”
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