As part of the school’s annual Christmas fundraising programme, students and staff at King James I Academy have been collecting food donations to support the North East based charity, Feeding Families. The charity provides food hampers to families in need across the region.

Launched in Christmas 2016, the aim of Feeding Families is to support those who are struggling to make ends meet. Sadly, due to the pandemic, more families than ever are facing difficult times this year, including many in and around Bishop Auckland, and the gift of a festive hamper can make a real difference.

Students at King James are encouraged to propose and organise fundraising activities and events throughout the academic year to support both local and national causes; they are also free to suggest which charity should benefit from their efforts. The fundraising initiative for Feeding Families was organised by Year 13 student, Jess B, pictured here with charity representative, Tony Byrne, who came to collect the donation.

Jess contacted the organisation to request donation boxes and followed up with an Academy-wide promotion of the scheme. To boost donations, Jess also raised an additional £51 thanks to a ‘Name the Bear’ competition, with all funds raised used to buy festive treats such as mince pies, biscuits, sweets and chocolates.