Every year three organisations work together to help 300 young people and their families in need in London W11, making sure that no one misses out on the festive season.
Chepstow House School and Westway Community Transport (Westway CT) make sure that gifts reach families supported by the Rugby Portobello Trust in time for Christmas.
The Shoe Box Appeal has run for 10 years, and this year the need is arguably greater than any other as families across London struggle with the impact of the cost-of-living crisis.
Pupils at Chepstow House School in Lancaster Road fill Christmas gift boxes for 300 youngsters and families across the borough, helping to share Christmas joy and kindness. Launched in November at a special assembly, pupils hear from the Rugby Portobello Trust about how it supports young people with emotional and practical help, in a borough that has some of the highest levels of income inequality in London. Inspired to help, pupils gather and pack gifts which are delivered by Westway CT to Rugby Portobello Trust’s community locations.
KEEPING COMMUNITIES CONNECTED
Westway CT has been helping local people stay connected to their community with accessible and affordable transport since 1991 and has supported the Shoe Box Appeal with a dedicated driver and van for several years, thanks to a much-needed grant from its trading arm. Together with Chepstow House pupils, Westway CT loads up the goods van with 230 shoe boxes and hampers, which are then distributed across W11 to a young peoples hostel and play centres and direct to families locally, all of which receive support from the Rugby Portobello Trust.
Colin Simmons, Chair of Westway CT said;
“This is such a lovely Christmas giving project and to have the help from Chepstow House School children is just amazing. Westway CT is proud to be part of this Appeal. Too often people struggle to access the things they need, that are right on their doorstep, but with our fleet of community minibuses and drivers we can make it possible.”