SCHOOLS in Wellington have been raising funds to help those in need this Christmas.

They have raised money for the Potters Pounds scheme, organised by Tim Potters Butchers, which provides food boxes to vulnerable families and those who have been affected by Covid-19, though furlough, loss of employment or mental health.

Beech Grove Primary School held a non-uniform day on Friday, November 13, and managed to raise £716.

The school have set up a GoFundMe page and are hoping to raise £1,000 for the scheme.

Mandie Huggett, attendance officer at Beech Grove School, said: “Beech Grove School has been supporting vulnerable children and disadvantaged families with Food Banks and meat parcels from the Holiday Hunger scheme which was run through Tim Potter’s Butchers since March.

“We delivered dozens of parcels to families in need, every single week throughout the 26 week lockdown.

“It is a difficult time for many in our community and the COVID-19 pandemic has led to some families experiencing financial hardship.

“It is our aim that no family in our Wellington community will go hungry this Christmas.”

Wellington School are raising money for the Potter’s Pounds scheme.

They are also taking food, toiletry and toy donations, which will be sent to the Community Council for Somerset.

Headmaster of the school, Eugene du Tiot, said: “We know that many families are struggling with financial difficulties and uncertainty as a result of the pandemic and, with Christmas approaching, we are very keen to help.

“Wellington School is proud to join with Potters Butchers, the Community Council for Somerset and Parents and Families Support Workers in supporting our community celebrate Christmas. We will do everything possible to lend a hand of kindness wherever we can.”

The meat and veg boxes are worth £20 and contain an assortment of locally sourced fresh produce and vegetables, including free range eggs, diced pork, potatoes, carrots, rashers of Somerset smoked back bacon and more.

Tim Potter, Director at Tim Potter Butchers, said: “Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have seen an unprecedented number of customers requesting free home delivery due to being in isolation.

“We have decided to introduce this gifting scheme to help those in isolation who are struggling to make ends meet in this desperate situation.

“We have been overwhelmed with offers of support received so far and thank all of those who have donated vital supplies to those who need them most.”

Volunteers who helped deliver the donated boxes include Councillor Andrew Govier (former Wellington School parent), Bridgette Sells (Nurse, Wellington School) and Catherine Farinha (parent, Wellington School).

Other volunteers include Deborah Eveleigh (head mistress Webber’s C of E School), Sophie Heggadon (attendance manager, Court Fields School), Mandie Huggett (attendance officer, Beech Grove School) and Mark Stephenson (from Welly Angels).

Cllr Govier said the families who received the boxes were very pleased indeed and he was humbled to see so many people coming together to support and help the initiative.

“This scheme allows families on little or no income to receive high quality, nutritious food from a very well-respected local business,” he said.

“Local residents have already shown their willingness to support these families in the town through their generous donations and is another example of the excellent community spirit that we have here in Wellington and Rockwell Green.”

To purchase Potters Pounds vouchers and help contribute towards paid forward meat and veg boxes to help those in need, call Tim Potters outreach team on 07585 700030.