Giving a little extra this Christmas

Kind-hearted students from the University of Bolton and Bolton College ensured a Christmas to remember for under-privileged local children.

Students from the Access to HE Social Work Pathway course, and the Fast Track to Higher Education, appealed for new toys, stocking fillers, and clothes. The gifts were donated to two local domestic abuse charities including Fortalice.

Laura O’Brien, Associate Lecturer in Psychology and Education and Nicole Johnson, Lecturer in Humanities at the College, jointly organised the ‘Access Angels’ appeal and both said they were delighted by the response from students.

Bolton businesses, including We Love Deals, Boots, TK Maxx, The Entertainer and PS Meats donated a variety of items after being approached by students over the past three weeks. Delighted representatives from the two charities visited the University before Christmas to collect the gifts presented to them by lecturers, students and, of course, Santa.

Laura said: “Considering the short amount of time they had to speak to businesses and appeal for items, they have done amazingly well. The University and the college have a very close relationship with Fortalice in particular and this is our way of giving something back to them.”

Paula Pollitt, Team Leader at Fortalice, said she was “incredibly impressed” by the students’ gesture. She said: “I am blown away, especially when I found out that they have managed to collect all these goods in such a short space of time. The other thing that has really struck me is the amount of items that are perfect for babies.”