Ashville College pupils have got into the spirit of supporting the local and wider community this festive season by ‘sending kindness’.
Pupils in Year 7 and Year 11 have come together, albeit virtually due to having to function in year group bubbles, to make and write cards to share with members of the Harrogate community who live alone and are more vulnerable.
This project began back in October, when Year 11 pupils chose to make cards as part of their weekly volunteering activity in place of an annual charity tea party for older and more vulnerable members of the local community, which sadly could not take place this year due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The cards have now been shared with the Harrogate Easier Living Project (HELP), who will distribute them amongst its members.
Meanwhile, pupils in Year 8 have sent Christmas cards to the residents of a local care home who might not be able to see their families this year. The cards were written in form time and were delivered to The Manor House, in Knaresborough, for its residents.
One American Year 7 pupil has also spread Christmas cheer by writing personalised messages and cards for 40 United States military service members. He sent cards to the United States, Europe, and several African and Asian countries.
Meanwhile Year 4 Ashville Prep School pupils have made cards and decorations for the residents at Heath Lodge care home, on Pannal Ash Road, during their wellbeing lessons that have focused on the topic of ‘giving’.
Each pupil decorated the front cover of their card and wrote a personal message inside, with the hope of putting a smile on the residents’ faces.
Along with the cards, the Year 4 pupils will also send a DVD of their Prep School Concert to the residents so that they can see the pupils who have made the cards.
The pupils have also made outdoor tree decorations to bring some colour to the home’s gardens by producing yarn stars, painted sticks and decorated CDs.
The project has been organised by Year 4 teacher, Louise Wells, who said: “Supporting the local community is an important aspect of Ashville’s values and Year 4 are enjoying making gifts for others and giving back to the wider society.
“The pupils and staff are hoping that it will be possible to visit the residents before the end of the academic year.”
For more information about Ashville visit www.ashville.co.uk or call 01423 566358.