The initiative was led by A-Level student Dominika Pietrzak, who was inspired to act after reflecting on the growing impact of the cost-of-living crisis, particularly during the winter months.
Instead of donating cash on Christmas Jumper Day, 17-year-old Dominika suggested collecting essential food items to support local people in need.
She said: “With the cost-of-living crisis and winter approaching, it just felt more beneficial to donate food rather than money. I shared the idea with my friends and then with staff, and everyone was so supportive.”
Students and staff quickly got behind the idea, with donations pouring in throughout the week. The response was so strong that the collection bin had to be emptied multiple times as bags of food continued to arrive.
Dominika added: “When I arrived on Christmas Jumper Day and saw the donation bin was already full, it made me feel really proud and happy that it had actually worked.
“Seeing how many students got involved shows there’s a real sense of community here. It feels like we’re one big family, and it’s joyful knowing people want to help others who are struggling.”
Curriculum area lead for achievement and progression, Julie Bott, praised the students’ generosity and initiative.
She said: “I’m incredibly proud of the students. The fact that this was their idea and that they wanted to support a local foodbank shows they’re thinking beyond themselves and really considering the wider community.
“It’s lovely to see students recognising vulnerable groups in our community and wanting to help. They’re not just focused on their studies, they genuinely care.”
Sherwood Forest Foodbank is run in partnership between St Edmund’s Church, Mansfield Woodhouse, and the Trussell Trust, and operates from The Stable Centre on Church Street.
The donations were collected by the foodbank’s project manager, Michelle Jennings, along with her husband, volunteer Chris Jewkes.
Michelle explained the real impact the students’ generosity will have.
She said: “These donations will contribute towards around 60 to 80 food parcels, which is absolutely fantastic. They’ll help families, elderly people and others who are really struggling, especially with winter bills.
“It’s really encouraging to receive donations from young people. It shows they understand what their local community is going through and that they’re compassionate and willing to help.”