School pupils have spent December fundraising to buy gifts for those in need in their local community. 

Year 7 and 8 pupils at the Tauheedul Islam Girls’ High School (TIGHS) school have been running stalls selling everything from scented candles and bath bombs to stationery and confectionary at weekly fundraisers held in school during lunchtimes.

Class targets for the entrepreneurial drive introduced a competitive element with other fundraising activities taking place throughout December.

Asian Image:

In addition, all pupils made pledges to serve the local community and consider those in need during winter.  The school has used the funds raised, together with donations for parents, to buy gifts for residents of local nursing homes, young patients at Royal Blackburn Hospital, and local homeless people supported by Nightsafe. 

Asian Image:

Pupils from Years 10 and 11 made visits to Springfield, Longfield and Northwood nursing homes in Preston New Road and children’s wards this week to distribute gifts and spend time chatting to residents and patients. 

Pupils also took donations of warm clothing to the Nightsafe shelter on Railway Road in Blackburn. 

Lukman Ahmed, TIGHS’ Principal, said: “During this festive period, and particularly when winter means you may have to stay indoors, it is often a time when people can feel lonely and sad. So, it is the perfect time to visit our local elderly and children in our local hospital to give something back. 

"Our girls were really excited to be able to do this.”

Through the Festive Winter Gift Programme, all schools run by Tauheedul Education Trust, whose headquarters are in Blackburn, aim to offer support to the most vulnerable people – young and old – in their communities, those who are unwell, elderly, living in care, those who experience loneliness or food poverty.