Walsall pupils donate hundreds of food bank items to support families in need

Children from Reception through to Year 6 came together to contribute a wide range of non-perishable items, including tinned meals, fruit, vegetables, fish and meat, as well as rice pudding, tea and coffee, as part of a week-long charity initiative. 

A total of 116 kilos was donated by pupils, which help to provide 232 meals via food parcels. 

The facility in Central Hall on Ablewell Street is a distribution centre for Black Country Foodbank, and supports vulnerable people and families with emergency provisions including food and toiletries. 

The initiative was led by the school’s Pupil Voice and Eco Committee, the pupils organising and promoting the campaign across the community. Through assemblies and pupil-led discussions, the committee encouraged donations from parents and families and highlighted the importance of supporting those facing hardship locally to their classmates. 

Hydesville Tower is part of Blenheim Schools, a leading family of all-ability independent schools with a focus on high-quality education that reflects the individual needs, learning styles and aspirations of pupils. 

Dylan in Year 6 said: “Bringing in food for the food bank is really important because it helps families who might be hungry. It made me feel proud that we could help people.” 

Julie Fitzpatrick, Food Bank Co-ordinator at Ablewell Foodbank, said: “We'd like to thank Hydesville Tower School for organising this collection and for their continued support assisting those in need in our area. We are so grateful for your kindness.” 

Mrs Samra, Headteacher at Hydesville Tower School, added:  “We are incredibly proud of our pupils for the compassion and leadership they have shown in supporting Ablewell Food Bank. This initiative has brought our whole school community together to help local families in a meaningful way. 

“The charity drive reflects Hydesville’s commitment to nurturing caring, responsible individuals who are aware of their role within the wider community. We place great importance on developing caring, socially responsible young people, and it has been wonderful to see our pupils take such an active role in making a positive difference.”