Tutor groups across the school took part in the initiative, with some groups creating more than one shoebox, while others contributed individual items to support the appeal. Students were encouraged to bring in a donation to add to the boxes, helping to support individuals and families across Derbyshire. All donations will be distributed locally by Derbyshire YMCA.
Items contributed this year include toiletries, socks, gloves, stationery, small toys and sweets.
Da Vinci Academy has supported Derbyshire YMCA for a number of years, with the December collection now a valued tradition within the school community.
Dylan Bennett, a Year 10 student at Da Vinci Academy, said:
“It feels meaningful to know that something small from us can make a difference to someone else’s Christmas. Everyone in my tutor group brought in something, and it was nice seeing the box fill up and knowing it will help someone local to us.”
Assistant Headteacher Nat Wiles added:
“This appeal is something our school looks forward to each year. It helps students to develop empathy and understand the impact of small acts of kindness within the community. The enthusiasm from tutor groups has been excellent and we are grateful to Derbyshire YMCA for continuing to work with us.”
Jayne Scattergood, Headteacher of Da Vinci Academy, said:
“We value our long-standing partnership with Derbyshire YMCA. The shoebox appeal provides a simple but important way for our students to show care for others, and the response from families this year has been generous. We are pleased to support a charity that makes such a difference locally.”
