A grateful parent was moved to tears after her children benefited from an appeal raised £1,800 to help pay for essential school supplies.

Emergency food agency 3Food4U organised its 3SchoolSupplies4U appeal to help pay for stationery and other items to help children start the school year with confidence and thrive in education.

Student volunteer Isabelle Kearin organised the fundraising and supplies, enabling the appeal to distribute more than 170 free back packs filled with everything needed for the new school year to children of all ages that need it most in the community.

At the charity's Waltham Abbey hub, mother of two young children, Jane, broke down in tears as she saw how happy the kids were when they received theirs.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

She said “This has meant the world to me, knowing the children will be able to go into school full of excitement and confidence is the best feeling.”

Essex Community Foundation, one of our grant funders, said “Schools supplies is a great idea!”

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Epping Forest District Cllr Stephen Murray said: “(I am) so pleased that these young people were able to organise the purchase and distribution of essential back to school stationary. It's a fantastic initiative supporting local families, full marks all round.”

3Food4U founder Pesh Kapasiawala said: "We're delighted to be able to support so many families during their time of need with groceries, toiletries, clothing and essentials, and now with 3SchoolSupplies4U. It's great to see so many happy families with one less thing to worry about."

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

The charity’s community surplus hubs are open as follows:

  • Monday: Waltham Abbbey – 13, Sun Street - 11.30am to 1pm
  • Tuesday: Loughton – Loughton Club, 8, Station Road - 11.30am to 1pm
  • Wednesday: Chigwell Row – All Saints Church Hall, Romford Road - 5pm to 6.30pm
  • Thursday: Ongar – Zinc Arts Centre, High Street - 1pm to 2.30pm
  • Friday: Waltham Abbey – 13, Sun Street - 11.30am to 1pm

The Rotary Club of Loughton, Buckhurst Hill and Chigwell is continuing to meet on Zoom on Thursdays at 7pm.

If you would like to attend, contact Pesh on 020 8500 2527 / 07973 166940 or email pesh@londonresidential.co.uk