Christmas present appeal

RIPON Grammar School families are supporting a local Christmas present appeal for those in need.

This is the second year parents, students and staff have been donating new and unwrapped presents to the Ripon branch of the Salvation Army to help brighten the festive season for families who may be struggling.

Modern foreign languages teacher Felicity Stevens, who is organising the RGS collection, said: “As a school we are committed to supporting our local community and local families and when we heard of this appeal again we wanted to get involved for the second year in a row.”

The Salvation Army is collecting gifts for children of all ages, from new-borns to young adults (including parents and carers).

Mrs Stevens added: “We ask for presents to be unwrapped so we can check they are suitable and appropriate for the age of the recipient, and it’s also nice for mum and dad to see the gifts before wrapping them for their children.

“They usually receive quite a good amount of presents for younger children so donations aimed at older/teenage children would be well received.”

Some examples of suitable NEW presents might be:

  • Smellies such as body spray, hand cream or bath or shower gel (gift sets are good)
  • Puzzles such as Rubiks cube, games or quiz packs
  • Board games
  • Mindful or relaxing colouring that perhaps older children might enjoy
  • Stationery, such as pretty notebooks and nice pens
  • Books (new) - any would be wonderful but popular easy reads would be good such as Tom Gates or similar
  • Festive sweets or selection boxes
  • Festive socks, scarves, gloves, etc
  • Sensory or calming soft toys
  • Family games
  • Generic gifts like mugs, crafting kits, covered hot water bottles, scented candles, mindful books or quiz books, etc.

Please drop off gifts to reception by Friday December 3.