Generous pupils from the school in Radley Road, Abingdon, donated gift bags containing both everyday essentials such as toiletries, as well as treats for our companions to enjoy over the festive season.
Their kind donations were made after they received a visit from companion Brad who recently gave a talk to the pupils at the school on homelessness.
As well as dispelling common misperceptions about homelessness, Brad explained to the pupils how Emmaus helps formerly homeless people by providing them with a home, meaningful employment, community support and renewed hope for the future.
Brad said: “It was lovely meeting the pupils at St Edmund’s Catholic Primary School and giving a talk about homelessness – they really engaged with the topic and were clearly interested in finding out more and supporting us.
“It was a huge surprise to hear they had donated gift bags to our companions who will receive them just before Christmas. A huge thank you to all who donated and made our companions’ Christmas extra special, your generosity is greatly appreciated by the community.”
As well as receiving the surprise goodie bags this festive season, our community also received a food donation from Oxford charity SOFEA.
The organisation, which provides food to disadvantaged communities, delivered a selection of food and treats such as snacks, advent calendars and soft drinks for the companions at Emmaus to enjoy over the holiday period.
SOFEA provides education, employability and wellbeing programmes for vulnerable young people, as well as tackling food insecurity and the disadvantage it causes, having a positive impact on the environment by reducing food waste.
Hannah Hutchings, our Community Manager, said: “A huge thank you for the kindness shown to our companions by the pupils of St Edmund’s Catholic Primary School and the SOFEA food bank. Their thoughtful gestures are really appreciated by the community and will make Christmas even more special for them.”