Early Years Students Support Hope for Food with Term-Long Donation

The initiative saw donations of food, toiletries, children’s books and toys steadily build over several weeks, culminating in an impressive contribution of three fully loaded trolleys filled with bags and containers. The collection was delivered by a group of students alongside Learning Manager, Nicola Keep, who helped coordinate the effort.

Hope for Food, a Bournemouth-based charity founded in 2012, works to provide basic essentials to individuals and families facing hardship. Run entirely by volunteers, the organisation was established in response to increasing need during a challenging economic period and continues to support the local community today.

The idea for the collection began after Nicola Keep saw a volunteer from the charity speaking on local television about a seasonal drop in donations following Christmas. Inspired to help, Level 1 Care Group A students took the lead by designing eye-catching posters, which were displayed throughout the EYC corridor to encourage donations from both staff and fellow students.

Their efforts paid off, with contributions pouring in across the term. When the donations were delivered, Lesley from Hope for Food expressed her gratitude, describing the collection as a fantastic achievement.

Students and staff were invited to visit the charity’s distribution centre at the West Howe Industrial Estate, where they were given a behind-the-scenes look at how donations are sorted and distributed to those in need. The visit concluded with a group photograph, which will be shared on the charity’s Facebook page to highlight the college’s support.

The project not only provided vital supplies for local people but also gave students valuable insight into community work and the impact of volunteering, reinforcing the importance of supporting others during challenging times.