Thoughtful Pupils collect hundreds of vital items for Ukraine

Pupils at Maple Hayes Dyslexia School have collected and donated hundreds of vitally needed items for those affected by the war in Ukraine.

The Lichfield school took less than 72 hours once the call out was sent to parents and pupils following the request for help from a company called Specialist Vehicle Solutions in Dudley which is donating two ambulances to the country. They wanted to try to fill the two vehicles before they were transported to the country, and were successful in their call out just days later.

Items collected included baby formula milk, baby food, feeding bottles, disinfectant wipes, first aid kits, medical equipment, water filters, dried and canned food and power banks.

The donations were packed and sorted into the ambulances, which arrived successfully in Belgium this week by two drivers from the Ukrainian Battalion of Paramedics.

Headteacher Dr Daryl Brown said: “The pupils have been watching the news intently and wanted to do something to help those in Ukraine or those who have had to escape with very little to safety.

“As soon as this call out for help came through to us we knew we could help so immediately set about getting as much together as we could to help. It’s heartening to know that we are able to help in our own way, and we shall continue to for the future,” he said.

Dr Brown added: “Collecting for worthy causes creates a great sense of community within the school and helps the pupils to understand the importance of giving back.” 

Maple Hayes is an independent specialist school, which caters for pupils aged seven to 17 with dyslexia and specific learning difficulties.