How we are supporting local charities this Christmas

Wednesday 20 November 2024 | By Erin McKeown

As the countdown to Christmas begins, it is very important to us at THS that we are thinking of those less fortunate than ourselves and helping where we can. We are proud to share  some of the ways that we, as a school community, are supporting local charities this Christmas.

Mission Christmas 

We are thrilled to announce we are once again coordinating a Christmas present collection for disadvantaged children across the North East this festive season as part of Mission Christmas. 

Mission Christmas is a local charity project which aims to support the most disadvantaged people in our community.  There are more than 42,000 children in our region who would not receive any gifts this Christmas if it was not for this fantastic project.  Teesside High School is registered as a local ‘drop-off’ point for the area and we would like to invite you to donate a gift.

The initiative is being pioneered by Hits Radio (formerly TFM) and is looking for a wide variety of presents to suit children and young people; both boys and girls of all ages from 0-18 years.  We would be extremely grateful if any donations could be made. Any gifts donated should not be wrapped to help with distribution.

Hebron Foodbank Collection

For the last ten years we have been proud to support a Christmastime foodbank collection for the Stockton area.  We have developed a great partnership with the Hebron Church in Stockton, which runs a food bank in conjunction with The Trussell Trust each Wednesday and Friday.  Our efforts have always been incredibly well supported and, as such, we would like to do another collection this year.  

In assemblies across the school this week, pupils will hear how 13 million people live below the poverty line in the UK.  Every day, people go hungry for reasons ranging from unemployment to receiving an unexpected bill on a low income.  This situation has only been exacerbated in the current economic circumstances.  The Trussell Trust foodbanks provide a minimum of three days emergency food and support to people experiencing a crisis in the UK.  Food Banks help prevent crime, housing loss, family breakdown and mental health problems.  A simple box of food makes a big difference.

All food at the Hebron Church is donated by the public and sorted by volunteers.  Frontline care professionals such as doctors and social workers identify people in crisis and issue a food voucher. Clients receive three days of nutritionally balanced, non-perishable food in exchange for their food voucher.  Food banks also make time to chat and to signpost clients to other helpful services.

More information on the Trussell Trust and the work they do can be found here.

Items such as UHT milk, cereals, sugar, pasta, pasta sauces, coffee, teabags, biscuits and tins of meat, fish and vegetables are gratefully received, along with non-food items such as toiletries.  

How can I donate?

We would be delighted if you feel you are able to buy one extra present or some extra items at the supermarket this festive season.  Please bring any donations to Reception or to the Senior School Foyer between Wednesday 20 November and Wednesday 11 December. 

Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Miss Stephens