Swansea pupils create foodbank 'advent calendar'

Pupils have been bringing in bags of household items for each day of December

Pupils at a comprehensive school have created their own twist on the traditional advent calendar to support local foodbanks.

Instead of a chocolate behind every window they've been bringing in a different food items for each day of December.

Sixth formers at Ysgol Bryntawe, Swansea, then donate the parcels to those most in need.

Alison Van Heeswijk, a volunteer at Birchgrove foodbank, said their actions are “so appreciated”, at an “incredibly busy time of year”.

Evie Harries, a year 13 pupil at the school described doing the food bank advent calendar as "a rewarding experience".

"The main objective is to teach everyone about the importance of community and the importance of giving back to the community," she said.

“Everyday from different years we have been collecting different items, whether it’s a personal hygiene item or food, which has kept it interesting.

“We’ve had a really positive response, everyone’s come together and given a lot.”

Nataya Lewis, another year 13 pupil, added: "I think it hit us this year that people are really struggling.

“Even at 17 or 18, we can see the effects of how expensive everything is, so it's clear having a family and providing for Christmas is tough."

Ben Davies, head of sixth form at Ysgol Bryntawe, agreed that "families are facing quite difficult times".

Evie Harries, a year 13 pupil at Ysgol Bryntawe, called it 'a rewarding experience'

“Financial hardships have affected many here at Bryntawe and in Swansea as a whole," he said.

“So anything we could do to help is worthwhile and the pupils have all done an incredible job.”

Collections are taken via school bus to Birchgrove and Penlan foodbanks.

“We’re really grateful for what the school has given, it’s so lovely to see so many donations," said Birchgrove volunteer Alison van Heeswijk.

"It goes out as quickly as it comes in though, so it's all very much appreciated."

Ysgol Bryntawe added that they hope to continue donating to local foodbanks in the future.

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