Since the beginning of Advent, St Bernard’s High School in Westcliff has been running a donation drive for the local charity Safe Steps.

Safe Steps works primarily in the Southend and Thurrock area offering a range services to adults and young people alike who are experiencing domestic abuse or are seeking to rebuild their lives after fleeing it. St Bernard’s donation drive helps collect Christmas gifts and stocking fillers for children so that families don’t have to go without at Christmas after leaving difficult situations at home.

On the last day of term before the Christmas holidays, St Bernard’s will hold a special Advent Service, where each of the gifts brought in by students and staff is collected and then presented in front of the whole school. Given to the charity, these items are then distributed around to children and families in South Essex.

On the last day of term before the Christmas holidays, St Bernard’s will hold a special Advent Service, where each of the gifts brought in by students and staff is collected and then presented in front of the whole school. Given to the charity, these items are then distributed around to children and families.

 

Evie and Tilly, Year 10 students at St Bernard’s, expressed how good it feels to be supporting Safe Steps. Evie said:

“As an all girls school, we are very happy to be helping and donating to the Women’s Refuge. We donate every year and collect lots for the charity.”

Tilly added:

“I feel great for helping out the Women’s Refuge, I feel being encouraged to help other women is empowering because we are helping those who are less fortunate than us.”

 

Mr Young, Chaplain and Marketing Coordinator for the school, told us:

“I’ve been blown away once again by the generosity of the students here at St Bernard’s. We’ve managed to collect a huge number of toys, gift sets and other Christmas goodies, which will help provide a happier Christmas to struggling families and survivors of abuse. I’m incredibly proud of the charitable zeal the students have shown this advent.”

Many thanks to the students and staff of St Bernard’s for doing such great work to support people who are building back their lives after dangerous and challenging times.

What has your school been up to this Advent?

Let us know by contacting Michael: [email protected]