Ripon students are putting the finishing touches to colourful messages of festive cheer which they have created for elderly residents in the city's care homes.
Years 8 and 9 pupils at Ripon Grammar School are hoping to spread a little joy and laughter by creating hand-made cards and sharing poems, drawings, jokes and stories about their own festive celebrations.
Helen Mars, head of PSHE (personal, social health and economic) at RGS said:
“We are giving our youngsters an opportunity to give something back to the wider community in Ripon by sending their lovely letters to those in our local area.
“It's also important pupils understand that altruism and giving does not have to carry a financial cost: it's about spending your time doing something for others. That's what charity really is.”
Adrian Florescu, 13, said:
“These days, not many people send cards, with everything done over the internet. I think it’s an important thing to do to help cheer people up.”
Adith Baskaran, also 13, added that he was creating a funny card:
“I want to help make them happy, and Christmas is mostly about giving people happiness.”
Ms Mars led a school assembly about how loneliness can have a physical impact as well as a mental one.
She said:
“One way to counteract that loneliness is by forming meaningful human connections- whether smiling at strangers on your walk to school, popping in to check on an elderly neighbour, and sending a letter to an elderly relative - and it can be beneficial to yourself as well as to them."
All the students said they were enjoying getting involved in the project, with Ben Keohane stressing it was important to ensure everyone feels valued at Christmas.
Riya Nair agreed:
“And it makes you feel like part of the community when you give to people who are less fortunate.”
Alfie Millar feels it is an important thing to do: “It helps elderly people not feel lonely and connect with others at Christmas.”
Florence Anderson added that she hoped the home-made cards and letters will help recipients get into the festive spirit.
Ms Mars added:
"It has been lovely to hear how enthusiastic pupils have been about writing their letters, and to see the care they have taken over their drawings and designs.”
Marie Curie appeals for Harrogate volunteers this summer
Boroughbridge clinic celebrates hat-trick of industry awards
New day service for people with complex needs opens at Rossett School
Call for review after Allerton Waste Recovery Park misses targets for seventh consecutive year
Harrogate MP welcomes £2 bus fare cap but calls for further reforms
Yorkshire's biggest ever pug meet to be held at Harewood House
Bin fires prompt call for public to dispose of batteries responsibly
Knaresborough Mayor to open town's first padel venue
New award launched to find Yorkshire's best pub
Vale of York services given go-ahead despite "rape of countryside" claim
Traffic to use new A59 Kex Gill route for first time tomorrow
Annual Tour de Aky set to hit £10,000 target
Harrogate bus staff nominated for national award
Parking warning issued after Burnsall car park closes
Spire Harrogate Clinic earns top housekeeping award
Otley music studio launches six-week daytime courses
New guide helps families find free and low-cost summer fun
Much-loved Slingsby Gin becomes new Festivals' partner
Princess Royal to become Great Yorkshire Show President
Concern over lack of consultation ahead of Lifeline cuts decision
