How a Chesterfield school and generous members of the community are helping those in need this Christmas

Sarah Hodson, the school’s safeguarding and early help manager, has been leading a team of colleagues at Parkside in the organisation and distribution of food parcels for local families since the first national coronavirus lockdown.

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As the level of need increased significantly from March onwards, many generous individuals and organisations have come forward to offer donations of food, cash and other forms of support for the project.

Now, during the final week of the school term, 55 Christmas food hampers will be delivered by Parkside staff to families across the area.

This means 70 children will have a little something extra under the tree on Christmas morning thanks to the work of Sarah and the team at Parkside, along with the support of a fantastic community.

Ben Riggott, headteacher at Parkside, said: “Sarah Hodson is a remarkable individual and a true servant of the community.

“We know that many in our community are going through some really difficult times and the financial pressures are immense for some families.

“This is, though, a strong and resilient community – the people here are incredible in the extent to which they support each other.

“I know that Sarah will be very embarrassed to be praised in this way, but she, along with many other colleagues at the school, deserve recognition and thanks for what they have done and will continue to do long after 2020 is behind us.

“The material support from other local groups has also been astonishing.

“Parkside is privileged to play its part within such a rich and interconnected community.”

Donations have been received from Parkside current and former staff, governors, parents, the Chesterfield Morrisons store, the Rotary Club of Chesterfield, the Chesterfield Scarsdale Rotary Club, the Walton Spar shop and garage, the community police, the Corrugated Case Company, Brampton Picture Framing, Baby Basics (part of St Thomas' Church, Brampton), B&Q Chesterfield, Gussie’s Kitchen at St Augustine’s Church, Chesterfield United Charities, Walton Evangelical Church, Chesterfield Football Club, a football group called Fatball, Redeemer King Church and Rapid Response Team.

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