Providing Christmas cheer to local children in partnership with Growbaby
Since 2005, Epsom College has donated toys and gifts to disadvantaged children in the local community. This charitable act is organised in partnership with the Growbaby Charity, based in Kingston, Surrey. The charity was established by a parent of an Epsom College pupil.
In the 15 years since the initiative began, Epsom College has donated an estimated 15,000 gifts and toys to local children, ranging in age from newborn to early teens.
Growbaby now operates from 23 centres around the UK.
Aims
The partnership extends Epsom College's founding principles of Benevolence and Excellence by providing disadvantaged children with the chance to have the joy of unwrapping a new quality toy or gift at Christmas.
These are children from some of the most disadvantaged families in Surrey - often suffering from drug or alcohol dependency, mental health issues, homelessness or extreme poverty.
Specific children are identified and, with their gender and age disclosed, each pupil at Epsom is assigned a recipient. Parents are then invited to buy a gift for that child. This process ensures that the gifts are bought with a specific child in mind, rather than a generic 'donation'.
Background
Growbaby was established in 2003 by the parent of an Epsom College pupil. It was formed out of the work of the Kingston Vineyard Church, which supports the homeless, victims of domestic abuse and young mothers in the local area.
The charity's founder approached Epsom College to see what we could do to support the work, and the idea for the Christmas Toy Drive was formed.
Resources
This partnership relies on the generosity and thoughtfulness of the entire Epsom College community.
Parents are contacted in mid-November and invited to donate a new, good quality toy or gift. Each pupil at the College is assigned a specific child and is told that child's age and gender. This is to ensure each child receives a gift that feels personal, thoughtful and age-appropriate.
Initially gifts were donated to young children only, but over the years the age of the recipients has broadended and we now give gifts to newborn children as well as those in their early teens.
Pupils, parents and staff donate, and toys are stored in the College Chapel ahead of a special service in early December.
Impact
The charity was formed in 2003. Epsom College has partnered on the toy drive since 2005.
An estimated 15,000 toys have reached local children - many of whom are in desperate need.
The charity's founder, Mrs Noni Farrelly, has praised Epsom, saying that 80 per cent of the total donations in the region are from Epsom's pupils.
Pupil Involvement
Each of the 1,025 students at the College is involved, along with their parents and many members of staff.
Frequency
This is an annual event.