ROBERT May’s students did their part to deliver some Christmas cheer by donating almost 600 items to foodbanks.

Inspired by the message of charity within Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, the group of teenagers ran a temporary food bank at the Odiham school last week and collected over 550 items to distribute to local families in need this Christmas.

Five food banks received good will gifts from the school including those in Hart, Rushmoor, Basingstoke, Alton and Farnham.

Their foodbank initiative started on Monday, December 5, where they accepted donations all week, and on Friday, December 9, the first donations were shared, with the first beneficiaries the Farnham Food Bank.

On Monday, December 12, two more foodbanks received their donations, Hart and Rushmoor this time getting their portion of the 550 items collected.

Monday, December 19, saw the final delivery made, with four students from Robert May’s delivering donations to Basingstoke foodbank at the Trinity Methodist church.

Year 10 student Laura said they were given inspiration for the idea from a number of different sources. “The idea came about during our lessons on A Christmas Carol; our English teacher had seen the film, I, Daniel Blake and she asked us if we’d be interested in organising a food bank for local families who are in need this Christmas.

“Poverty was a serious issue in Victorian times and we had been discussing how it is still affecting people today. We did some research into local food banks and decided that we would love to be a part of helping to brighten up someone’s Christmas and share the festive spirit.

English teacher at Robert May’s Denise Myers added: “Delivering the goodies is a real privilege. Our collection may only be small in comparison to the need that is out there, but it is fabulous that we have been able to play a small part in alleviating some worries for some families this Christmas.”

The school’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed by foodbank co-ordinators and Christine Siddall, the manager at Hart foodbank was full of appreciation. “Thank you to the pupils, teachers and everyone at Robert May’s School for their generosity and kindness this December. We have received your gifts and they are much appreciated.”