Ripon students are putting the finishing touches to colourful messages of festive cheer which they have created for elderly residents in the city's care homes.
Years 8 and 9 pupils at Ripon Grammar School are hoping to spread a little joy and laughter by creating hand-made cards and sharing poems, drawings, jokes and stories about their own festive celebrations.
Helen Mars, head of PSHE (personal, social health and economic) at RGS said:
“We are giving our youngsters an opportunity to give something back to the wider community in Ripon by sending their lovely letters to those in our local area.
“It's also important pupils understand that altruism and giving does not have to carry a financial cost: it's about spending your time doing something for others. That's what charity really is.”
Adrian Florescu, 13, said:
“These days, not many people send cards, with everything done over the internet. I think it’s an important thing to do to help cheer people up.”
Adith Baskaran, also 13, added that he was creating a funny card:
“I want to help make them happy, and Christmas is mostly about giving people happiness.”
Ms Mars led a school assembly about how loneliness can have a physical impact as well as a mental one.
She said:
“One way to counteract that loneliness is by forming meaningful human connections- whether smiling at strangers on your walk to school, popping in to check on an elderly neighbour, and sending a letter to an elderly relative - and it can be beneficial to yourself as well as to them."
All the students said they were enjoying getting involved in the project, with Ben Keohane stressing it was important to ensure everyone feels valued at Christmas.
Riya Nair agreed:
“And it makes you feel like part of the community when you give to people who are less fortunate.”
Alfie Millar feels it is an important thing to do: “It helps elderly people not feel lonely and connect with others at Christmas.”
Florence Anderson added that she hoped the home-made cards and letters will help recipients get into the festive spirit.
Ms Mars added:
"It has been lovely to hear how enthusiastic pupils have been about writing their letters, and to see the care they have taken over their drawings and designs.”
150 homes planned for green belt land near Harrogate
'Bonkers' burlesque show returns to Harrogate
North Yorkshire residents urged to recycle more household waste
Apple Throwing Championships return to Newby Hall
MPs urge Prime Minister to make A64 dualling a priority
Police appeal after radiator stolen from Ripon property
Ukrainian city thanks Knaresborough residents for ongoing humanitarian aid
New venue revealed for Harrogate vintage car meet
Body of man in his 60's discovered in Ripon canal
Harrogate MP vows to keep fighting for end-of-life choice
Holiday park expansion planned to meet need for more spacious pitches
Storm overflow investigation to begin on Stray in Harrogate
Ferrari worth more than £2 million spotted in Harrogate
Historic Ripon buildings open their doors for Heritage Open Days
Martin House doctor shares realities of children's palliative care in new book
Work gets underway on new Gail's Bakery in Harrogate
Police explain why more serious charges were not brought in Bailey Chadwick case
Wetherby MP accuses Prime Minister of 'class warfare' over Linton asylum plans
Ripon athlete launches extraordinary Three Peaks charity challenge
New pre-school officially opens in Harrogate
