A group of caring students have got a spring in their step after making some shoebox care packages for charity.
The learners are all studying on vocational studies courses at West Suffolk College and they reached out to staff, students, businesses and the community to gain products that could be given away to Burys St Edmunds Women’s Aid.
The boxes included everything from care products to cuddly toys.
In addition to this, they also raised around around £90.00 in cash for Bury st Edmunds Women’s aid and Sarcoma UK via a JustGiving page and by gaining donations. (The money will be split between the two organisations).
Gabriel Monk, 16, from Bury is on a vocational studies programme. Gabriel said: “I got a lot out of this project - it gave us creativity and I’d definitely like to do more for other charities in the future.”
Shane Macnamara, 16 from Cambridgeshire is also studying vocational studies. Shane said: “It was good to raise some money and create the shoeboxes.”
Vanessa Topp – 16 – Sudbury is on the same course as Gabriel and Shane. Vanessa said: “I wrote supportive messages to put in the shoeboxes. One of the messages said ‘you are strong enough to battle through all obstacles in life’.”
And Peter Myhill, 22, from Mildenhall is on the same course as Vanessa. Peter said: “It was nice being helpful to people who need it.”
A spokesperson for the Bury St Edmunds Women’s Aid said: “I would like to thank all of the students and staff that have contributed the lovely donation. The donation will go directly to those supported by Bury St Edmunds Women's Aid Centre. When our families arrive at refuge they often have not had time to gather even the simplest of belongings, and can require everything from toothpaste to a winter coat. Some of our community based clients are also very much in need, and it's very important that we are able to provide these things to our clients to lessen the pressure a little.
“Monetary donations can go towards anything, including; trips out for the children during the holidays, counselling for the clients, play equipment for our garden, to name but a few. Our aim is to support clients through the most traumatic time of their lives, we cannot do it alone and donations such as yours (West Suffolk College) are incredibly helpful and important.”
Kerry Reeves-Kneip is the fundraising director at Sarcoma UK. Kerry said: “Sarcoma UK relies solely on voluntary donations and the efforts of our fundraisers and supporters. We would like to thank the students and staff at West Suffolk College for their efforts to help those who are affected by sarcoma.”
Mike Opukah is a business management lecturer at West Suffolk College. Mike said: “The students came up with the idea for the project and worked hard to raise money for two very important causes. I’m incredibly proud of their efforts.”