Thanks to the recent sterling efforts of two students from St Thomas More Catholic School, Blaydon, St Cuthbert’s Care’s 5p Bus Toy Appeal collection has been boosted by a massive 300 extra toys.
Grace Wear and Kyle Reece, both year 12 students, volunteered to help St Cuthbert’s Care as part of their enrichment programme, a self-development course in which sixth formers dedicate time each week to help in their local community.
St Cuthbert’s Care’s 5p Bus takes donated clothing and toys to areas of particular poverty in the region, and sells the items for just 5p each. It relies on the generosity of people in the local community, and is always searching for more donations to keep up with demand, particularly at this time of year. When Grace and Kyle heard about its Christmas Toy Appeal, they started a special campaign around their school, and encouraged fellow students and teachers to help them collect as many toys as possible.
Due to their hard work and the generosity of their school, 300 toys were collected in just one week, all of which were gratefully received by staff at the 5p Bus depot. The toys will be distributed to the neediest families in the region in time for the 25th December, and are sure to bring a lot of happiness and yuletide joy to children who otherwise would have received very little this Christmas.
Inspired by the work of the 5p Bus, Grace and Kyle now hope to spend time at the 5p Bus depot, working with the raft of volunteers who help out there. Through this the students will see first-hand how important their toy raising efforts have been in helping people in our community who are less fortunate than many of us.
If you would like to donate to the 5p Bus Toy Appeal please contact the 5p Bus depot:
Unit 9
Sands Industrial Estate
Swalwell
Gateshead
NE16 3DJ
0191 488 5031.