Record breaking charity effort

Generous students and staff at Waltham Toll Bar Academy and Toll Bar Sixth Form have filled a bumper number of shoeboxes to help bring Christmas cheer to vulnerable children abroad.

Karen Lepley and Ellie Davis from Grimsby Shoeboxes pictured with students of Waltham Toll Bar Academy and Toll Bar Sixth Form

This year’s campaign, organised by the student-led Charity Club, has seen more than 160 boxes being handed over to Grimsby Shoeboxes, a local organisation which sends boxes around the world.

The club is run by Phoebie Tomlinson (Year 10), Declan Skye (Year 10) and Kate Harrison (Year 7), with support from Science Teacher Shivani Dixit.

Principal Nigel Whittle said some students had brought in enough donations to fill multiple 13 boxes on their own. Year 10 student Isabella Owen managed to fill 13 boxes this year.

Teacher and Lead of the Charity Committee Enrichment club Shivani Dixit with Year 10 student Isabella Owen and Karen Lepley from Grimsby Shoeboxes

“I would like to congratulate Phoebie, Declan and Kate and the other students, parents and staff who have pulled together to make a fantastic contribution to the Shoebox Appeal,” he said.

Mr Whittle revealed the Charity Club had also raised £1,450 towards this year’s BBC Children in Need appeal.

“There has been a real sense of charitable giving around the Academy for both appeals. Times are tough for many families, making this year’s generosity even more telling.

“Students have been keen to help those who are less fortunate and I’d also like to thank staff for supporting their efforts.”

Assistant Principal Ollie Fothergill also praised everyone who had contributed.

 “It has been wonderful to see so many of our young people come together,” he said.

“We teach them about the importance of the world community and helping each other, and it has been fantastic to see our young people truly living out the values of the Academy during a time of international hardship.”

Year 7’s Kate Harrison had enjoyed the fundraising

“It’s been really good to be involved with helping others,” she said. “I just love being part of our charity committee and it was great to see so many other students involved.”

Karen Lepley from Grimsby Shoeboxes said: “I can’t believe there are 160 boxes! That is the largest amount we have ever collected from any school. This is fantastic. We’ve had to use multiple vehicles for the collection.”