Thanks to partnerships with organisations like Dunelm, Cash for Kids, Mission Christmas, Lidl, Aldi via the Neighbourly Toy Appeal, The Salvation Army, and Co-op stores on the Wirral, the Trust has made a significant impact on communities during the festive season.

In West Yorkshire, donations came from Co-op, Cash for Kids, The Salvation Army, Yorkshire Children’s Charity, and Dunelm, along with more than 1,200 selection boxes from Mondelez, all distributed across academies in the region.

In Manchester, The Hygiene Bank delivered eight pallets of essential products, which were distributed to academies with the help of Academy Community Pioneers (ACP), the Community Team, and staff at Co-op Academy Belle Vue.

Assistant Principal at Co-op Academy Swinton, Mrs. Chambers, expressed her gratitude, saying: “A big thank you to The Hygiene Bank, this will make such a huge difference to our school and the wider community.”

Gifts from Cash for Kids, Dunelm, and the Trust’s own Christmas gift appeal were also delivered to Manchester-based academies, with pastoral leads ensuring families in need were prioritised. “Cash for Kids makes a huge difference and we are very grateful for their support,” said Daryl Tomlinson, Greater Manchester Community Team Manager.

Academies in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire were also overwhelmed by the support extended to their families and communities this festive period. The partnership with Dunelm was especially impactful, with headteachers and family support workers highlighting the importance of meeting the needs of the community. Shirley Carrigan, Headteacher at Co-op Academy Grove, expressed her thanks, saying: “We are wowed with the gifts we have received and are so grateful for them. Thank you.” 

On the Wirral, Regional Community Team Manager, Deborah Zaher collaborated with St. Barnabus Church and local Co-op stores to deliver food parcels to 50 Co-op Academy Woodslee families and 25 Co-op Academy Hillside families. A major bag-packing day saw Co-op colleagues and Woodslee’s ACPs working together to arrange deliveries.

For the third consecutive year, Co-op Academy Portland also provided every pupil with a Christmas gift, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to supporting families and their community. 

An incredible 500 gifts were also distributed across the region, including 200 from Dunelm. Catherine Kelly, Headteacher at Co-op Academy Bebington, said: “Thank you, Dunelm and our brilliant Community Team, especially Mrs. Loughlin, our ACP who has been working hard as Santa’s helper, delivering gifts to our students. And a huge thank you to everyone for your hard work organising and distributing gifts.”