Christmas Hamper Tradition

We’ve finally reached the beloved month of the year: December. And we all know what this marks; Christmas of course! This year at Coopers, we’re showing our festive spirit through charity. The school was approached by The Worshipful Company of Coopers to take on the Christmas Hamper appeal and ever since, form groups have been helping to create these hampers every year. Each form has taken their time to create their own individual Christmas Hampers filled to the brim with hearty mince pies and household necessities for those in need. 

Bracelets sold by the Charity Reps

Originally this project was exclusively for Year 7 forms, but since last year it has been opened up for the entire school to take on. By doing this, the school is able to assist even more people and organisations. This year, we were able to donate to 12 grantees including Whitechapel Mission which is a shelter for the homeless, residents of Coopers Court (assisted living accommodation), Havering Association for People with Disabilities, the Besom Project and Harold Hill Food Bank. This project is a great way to give back to the community during this festive period. Whitechapel Mission, in particular, cooks for up to 450 people everyday so all of the breakfast goods from this year's donation will go to them to help them with their amazing work. In the last week of term, there is also a planned visit by Mrs Teece and the charity reps to donate the rest of the food that has been donated.

Even though Christmas is an opportunity to be charitable, it’s important to do this all year round at any chance we get. For example, the school has raised money for charities with events such as The Poppy Appeal for the RBL and Teacher Karaoke organised by The Christian Union for Zarach. In addition, £1400 was raised for Movember charities by staff growing facial hair, running 10k and pupils selling moustache pins. Well done to every member of forms as they played their part bringing in an item to add to the hamper, I hope you know the great impact that you’ve made. And a special shout out and thanks to Mrs Teece, our Charity Coordinator and all of our charity captains who help with the organisation of these awesome projects. Remember, for the Christmas Jumper Day on the 19th December, pupils are expected to bring £2 to support the Harold Hill Food Bank. I hope that we can all be inspired by this, and those who can should take the initiative to lend a helping hand out to those who need it this Christmas. 

By Jessica Sanusi