Pupils from Blackawton Primary School have been helping Humanity Torbay this Christmas.

Year 6 pupils in the Global Citizens Club at the school heard about how people affected by poverty and homelessness were struggling this Christmas. They decided to help.

Humanity Torbay, a charity working with the most vulnerable people in our society has seen a huge increase in people needing their services during the festive season. In particular, families and the elderly affected by changes in universal credit payments are seeking help from the charity.

Upon hearing about this, the Global Citizens Club didn’t hesitate to help.

At its next meeting, the club voted to support an appeal for packed shoeboxes to be delivered to Humanity Torbay by Christmas.

The pupils created a poster and an article for the newsletter and held an assembly at the school to advertise the appeal to parents and children.

During recent weeks the club wrapped and organised the shoeboxes as they came in. An avalanche of boxes arrived over the last few days leaving the staff room and office very crowded.

On Tuesday, December 11, nine members of the club and their teachers packed the school minibus with the donated items. Over 40 shoeboxes had been packed for families, the elderly and the homeless.

Parents at the school had also donated toys, clothes, coats, sleeping bags and countless other gifts-meaning a further 40 bags of donations.

Upon arrival at Humanity Torbay, Sue and Nan welcomed the children and showed them the different aspects of the charity’s work.

They were invited to help pack and wrap extra boxes while they were there and to meet some of the people the charity supports.

The Global Citizens Club continues to work hard to be involved in local and global campaigns and fundraising, plus to promote Blackawton Primary School’s Gold Rights Respecting School status.