CARING students from Taunton Preparatory School have spent some time volunteering at a refugee aid centre. 

The Year 7 pupils from the school helped sort clothes and pack donation boxes at Refugee Aid From Taunton (RAFT). 

The group was set up by Frederica Smith in 2015 and it has since sent hundreds of donation boxes out to countries and people in need. 

Pupil, Chloe Hims, said: “I started by helping to sort and box lots of shoes into different categories: men’s shoes, ladies’ shoes, children’s shoes, summer shoes and winter shoes. After that I sorted clothing into boxes ready to be shipped. I also got a teddy and wrote a message on it so the little boy or girl who receives it will feel a warm glow inside and know that someone cares.”

The 11-year-olds listened as the volunteers explained the work that goes on there. 

Chloe added: “Lesley (volunteer) said that we were all one race and should all stick together. She also told us that one of her favourite quotes is ‘necessity is the mother of invention’. This is because people learn to adapt to their situations and use what they have.”

After packing boxes the children were tasked with stuffing a coat for a child with useful items and some surprises.

“I put a hat, gloves, scarf, raisins, sweets and a small teddy in the coat I prepared,” Chloe said. 

“If I was a child who had to flee my home, I would love a warm coat filled with goodies.”

Taunton Preparatory School carried out a jumble sale last year fundraising for RAFT raising nearly £200.

The school plans to do some further fundraising next month.