A SCHOOL has sent out more than £2,000 in of donations to good causes.

Charities helped include the Salvation Army, a local church and Our Warm Welcome (OWW) - a charity that aims to offer friendship and practical support to new asylum seekers and refugees by helping them to integrate into the community.

The charity teaches basic English skills and distributes clothing, household items and food. It began trying to make a difference to support these displaced people soon after St Helens was chosen as a designated placement for asylum seekers. It currently helps over 40 families.

Gordon Pennington, from Our Warm Welcome, said: “Wow, thanks to the staff and pupils of Rainford High for their generous donation to Our Warm Welcome. It will enable us to care for the OWW friends in these difficult times.”

Susan Myhill from the Salvation Army in St Helens, said: "Our food cupboard is nearly bare and like many people, we have found it difficult - impossible actually - to book an online shop slot and so we have been going along to a supermarket on a regular basis to buy the necessary items.

“We are overwhelmed at Rainford High’s kindness and generosity. As we are short of both food and money at the moment, their gift is even more appreciated than usual! Thank you so much for thinking of us and the local community.”

Alexandra Marsh, director of business and finance at Rainford High, added: “More than ever small, local charities are in desperate need of donations in order to continue delivering the services that many of their users rely upon.

“Our school ethos ‘Everyone Matters, Everyone Helps and Everyone Succeeds’ not only refers to our students and staff but also the rest of the community. We are delighted to help these causes in any way that we can.”