Exeter school community donates shoeboxes to support people experiencing homelessness

Students, staff and families at a primary school in Exeter have come together to support people experiencing homelessness across the city by donating shoeboxes filled with essential items.

St Luke’s Church of England School worked in partnership with volunteer group Smile at a Stranger – Help for the Homeless Devon, which collects and distributes donations to charities and organisations supporting people in need across the county.

Pupils packed shoeboxes with items including warm clothing, toiletries and small treats, which have now been passed on to frontline services working with people experiencing homelessness in Exeter. 

The donations are intended to provide both practical support and a sense of dignity for those receiving them.

The initiative was organised as part of the school’s wider focus on kindness, compassion and social responsibility, encouraging pupils to think about the challenges faced by others in their local community.

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Headteacher Harrison Littler said the response from families and staff had been overwhelmingly positive.

“We are so proud of our students, staff and families for coming together to support this important cause,” he said. 

“It’s wonderful to see our community making a real difference for people in need.”

Moira Marder, chief executive of the Ted Wragg Trust, which St Luke’s is part of, praised the school’s efforts and the generosity shown by the wider community.

“What a fantastic effort from St Luke’s,” she said. 

“Seeing our staff, students and their families give so generously to support others is inspiring and shows the values we hope all our students carry with them.”

The school says it hopes the project will help pupils better understand social issues in Exeter and inspire them to continue supporting local causes beyond the classroom.