Sunderland school community praised for 'amazing response' to food bank appeal

Plains Farm Academy, in Tudor Grove, Plains Farm, Sunderland, decided to organise a reverse advent calendar in which staff, families and friends were asked to contribute gifts towards those in need rather than receiving something themselves.

The three-week appeal attracted hundreds of contributions such as tinned food, boxes of biscuits and toiletries.

Appeal organiser Amy Maher, who is Year 3 teacher at the primary school, said: “The purpose of this was to encourage everyone to think about how much we have and to support us in giving something away each day to help those in need.

"We have had a fantastic response and are so grateful l to everyone that has donated.”

The presents have been donated to a food bank appeal organised by nearby St Mary and St Peter’s Church, in Springwell Road, Springwell.

Read more: Sunderland football fans asked to support city's poorest at food bank donation drive through

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