PUPILS at a Timperley school are proving Christmas really is a time for giving, by holding a collection to help child refugees.

Wellington School is supporting an appeal by grass roots charity Carry the Future, collecting new and used hats, coats, scarves, vests and underwear as part of their #OutiesAndUndies campaign.

Everything that is collected will be sorted and shipped out to children living in refugee camps throughout Europe, particularly in Greece where the charity has been working for the last year.

The collection was the brainchild of teacher Joanne Cook, who has been helping collect much-needed supplies for the charity since the summer.

She has been bowled over by the response from her pupils and their families. She said: “Within 24 hours of the campaign being launched there were already half a dozen bags at the collection point, and so many people have been asking exactly what we need and how they can help.

“I’m amazed by the speed of response, especially as it’s a hectic time in the run up to Christmas. But I’m not surprised to have received so much support as there is a great community spirit at the school and such generosity for all of the charity drives we hold.”

Josie Watson, aged 12, said: “It’s so sad to think there are so many children who will be freezing cold living in a refugee camp this winter l. I’ve donated an old coat and a couple of hats which I hope will help keep someone warm.”

And Year 12 pupil Dominic Pelleymounter, aged 16, added: “It makes me sad to see these children on the news, so I’m really pleased that we can do something to help.”

Carry the Future has collection points across the country, with 10 in the North West alone including Wellington School and Cheeky Cherubs Soft Play in Urmston, plus collections also in Didsbury and Chorlton.

Hundreds of volunteers are getting their local schools, nurseries, playgroups and friends involved, to provide warm clothing which could save lives as temperatures in the camps drop.

Mrs Cook added: “It’s a busy time of the year but it’s also a time when people may be clearing out things which their children have grown out of, or need space for all the new Christmas presents. We’d be hugely grateful if people would consider donating them to our appeal.

“The charity is simply a group of mums from across the country who connected on social media and formed this incredible network. Each of us is doing what we can in the face of this dreadful crisis, and together we are helping to make a real difference for some of the thousands of children who are far away from their homes, trying to survive life in a refugee camp this winter.”

The collection runs until January 10. All items can be new or second hand, apart from pants which must be new and in their original packaging for hygiene reasons. For more information about Carry the Future UK or to set up your own collection, get in touch via Facebook.

www.facebook.com/CarryTheFutureUK/