Samantha’s festive fundraiser brings joy to local families

A learning mentor at Walsall College is bringing Christmas cheer to local families through her festive fundraising activities.

Samantha Holland has raised £365 so far for Walsall Outreach.  The organisation is appealing for Christmas selection boxes for children in low income families.

Samantha’s colleagues have been supporting her efforts during an Elf Day/Christmas Jumper Day.  They also held a raffle and encouraged people to participate in a reverse advent calendar scheme.  Through this, people donated food items.

“My aim was to bring some joy to the families who have found this year particularly difficult,” said Samantha.  “I’m hoping it will make them feel more positive about the future.”

The money Samantha raised is being used to purchase a range of toys for Walsall Outreach to distribute just before Christmas.

“It’s rewarding to do something for others,” Samantha added.  “It’s also nice for us at the college to have joined forces and achieved such fantastic results.  We had fun too.

She added: “This year has made people appreciate things they might have taken for granted before now.  It’s encouraging them to come forward and help others in any small way they can.

“I’m grateful to everyone for getting involved.”