Appeal to keep students warm

Pestalozzi students with some of the warm winter clothes donated by generous members of the public following an appeal in the Battle Observer.

For many of the young people living at Pestalozzi in Sedlescombe, this winter will be their first experience of sub-zero temperatures.

Pestalozzi students, who come to the charity from much warmer countries like Uganda, Belize, Zimbabwe and Zambia, will be feeling the cold, especially because many of them arrive without any clothing suitable for an English winter.

After a successful appeal in the Observer last year, Pestalozzi is once again asking for donations of winter woollies for their students.

Student programme officer Victoria Wilson said: “We were delighted with the generous response from the local community last winter, which helped us find coats, hats, gloves, warm socks and scarves for many of our students.

“We have around 20 new students this year, so we’re asking once more for donations.

“As well as winter coats, gloves, and so on, many of our students need sturdy shoes, so if you have a clean, good quality pair that you no longer need, please do bring them along to Pestalozzi.”

“Our students are between 16 and 19 years old, and come in all shapes and sizes, from quite tall to very petite, so the more people and families who donate, the better! If there’s anything left over we can keep it for next year or recycle it through our charity textile bank. Everything goes to a good cause.”

Please drop clean clothes to Pestalozzi’s reception in Ladybird Lane, Sedlescombe, between 9am-5pm on weekdays.

Those unable to make it during business hours can call 01424 870444 to arrange an alternative drop off time.