Field House Support First Days Children’s Charity

Since identifying First Days Children’s Charity as a partner to work with over the Christmas period, Field House have created over 100 Christmas stockings for the cause, from over £1000 in boarding community donations and a name the teddy raffle.

Field first initiated their drive to fill Christmas stockings for children aged 0 to 11, for the charity, in November. Prior to the launch, bedding, blankets, school uniform and toys had all been donated to the base in Hurst, through the School.

Jakki Marr, Housemistress, commented “We are extremely proud of the effort made by all our tutor groups in grasping the vision and putting in huge amounts of effort. Charlotte and Emma deserve a special mention here, for their willingness to help in any way possible.”

Charlotte commented “It was such a rewarding experience and I loved being able to be so involved with something that I know will make such a difference. I am also so excited for Field House to keep working with them as they grow more!”

Matron, Jan Bell, added “First Days have a monthly list of items they require to help families and we intend to support them throughout the whole academic year. Please do look at their website and read about the work they are doing.”

First Days Children’s Charity aim to make life manageable for families who are struggling with the cost of clothes and equipment for babies and young children. This year, demand for the organisation’s work has increased as many local families have sadly lost jobs and homes, or are receiving a reduced wage due to Covid-19.

When families have little money, buying extras at Christmas is just not possible, unless going without food, heat or taking on more debt. This is where First Days has stepped in, supplying Christmas stockings to over 1000 families who need help. Some families have been recommended by social workers, organisations and often schools, but others have been brought to the charity’s attention through concerned neighbours, friends and family members.

Fellow Senior Houses, Reckitt and School, have also been working with ReadiFood, a local independent food bank charity aiming to make sure no-one goes hungry during the festive season, and Bag2School, a recycling scheme exchanging clothes for cash. The funds raised will now be donated to the Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice.