BALLASALLA Primary School pupils will be busy engaging in the true spirit of Christmas on Friday when they pack 100 boxes of food for households around the Island that are most in need of some Christmas cheer.

The boxes will contain food such as Christmas puddings, custard and tea, supplied by Police Christmas Charity Food Parcels, which has been delivering the goodies since 1964.

The charity needed to be brought up to date — even its name was being reconsidered — and part of that reinvention was to involve young people, said its chairman Sergeant Phil Drowley.

He explained there was a wider motive behind his thinking: 'We looked around the general areas of the south and wanted an estate where there were schools nearby.

'There are problems with the elderly and young people understanding each other's issues — you get knock-on door runs and toys left in the street. Young people do not think of the elderly and the elderly do not understand the young. It is about building empathy between the young and old.'

Ballasalla Constable Dave Higson will visit Ballasalla Primary School to explain the idea behind the scheme to the pupils.

Head teacher Jacqueline Barrow said the school was 'delighted to be involved in a project for the benefit of the community.

'Our children are very caring in their community and this is an extension of their normal caring,' she said.

The police are on the front line of any community issues, so gain a very clear insight into the challenges and suffering of some residents.
Sergeant Drowley said: 'We are in the best place to see it.

We see people in poor circumstances. You could go to someone's house and they are lying on the floor, covered in blankets; they live in one room and do not move out of there because it's too cold.'

Previously the charity focused on the Christmas deliveries, but Sergeant Drowley said he wanted to expand the range of activities and had become 'a little bit more dynamic in looking for cash'.

It has secured sponsorship from International Law Systems, and Shoprite is supplying food for the boxes at half the advertised cost, but more donations would be welcomed, he said.

People could donate secure in the knowledge their cash was going directly to the most deserving causes.

'The idea is the bobbies are watching out all year round for people who need parcels,' said Sergeant Drowley. 'I just want to make a difference and my colleagues are the same.'

An afternoon of free entertainment for senior members of the community, organised by the police, will take place on Wednesday, December 17, at 2.45pm in Castle Rushen High School.

Entertainment will be provided by the students, along with pupils from Scoill Phurt le Moirrey, Port St Mary, and Victoria Road Primary School, Castletown.

Tea, coffee and free mince pies will be provided by King William's College.

Because attendance figures are needed for catering, those interested in attending should contact Port Erin police station on 832222.

Officers also hope to be able to help with transport.