Reverse advent at Higham school to help good causes

Instead of the traditional concept of opening a door on a calendar and taking something out, pupils at Henry Chichele Primary School are bringing in items to the school every day to create a reverse Christmas advent.

Items which are being brought in include tinned food and clothing and when the school breaks up for Christmas everything will be handed over to needy causes.

School business manager Claire Griffiths said: “As a school we decided that the concept of reverse Christmas advent was something that we would like to support, the joy of giving rather than receiving being a true British value.

“We started on December 1 and we are adding something to the display every day – staff, pupils, parents and visitors alike).

“On Tuesday, December 20, we shall we taking everything over to Rushden night shelter, who work in collaboration with the food bank and who will be distributing it amongst local needy families and the homeless.

“Last year they helped more than 1,000 people.

“We have had some lovely comments back from parents who feel that this is a fabulous idea and an important lesson for the children to learn – that there are lots of people less fortunate than themselves.”

All the items are being left next to a gingerbread house advent calendar made by school display assistant Emily Brealey.