Primary school children in Highgate donated the collection from their harvest festival to support struggling families this autumn.

The students from Highgate Primary School made the donation of 50 bags of goods to the Alexandra Wylie Tower Foundation (AWTF).

The charity, based in Archway, provides holiday food parcels to help feed children who are not receiving their free school meals during the break, as well as emergency food supplies to people in need. 

Highgate Primary pupil Alexi Mutasa, 10, who has been volunteering for the AWTF since she was old enough to pack food parcels, said: “I am really proud of my school for getting so much food.  

"I have helped hand out parcels and it is very sad to see families where they are struggling to have enough to eat.  

"The mothers are so excited by the milk and tins and eggs and oil we bring but I especially love how happy the children are when we have biscuits and chocolates.”

Headteacher William Dean said: "The harvest celebration is an important part of the school curriculum, giving our children and families the opportunity to give thanks, celebrate food and where it comes from and also think about those who are less fortunate.

"We are very happy to support the wonderful AWTF and see our harvest collection make a difference to our local community."

Lindsey Wylie, who founded AWTF after the death of her 17-year-old daughter, Allie from cancer 12 years ago, said: “We are incredibly grateful for this donation and are overwhelmed by how generous the Highgate Primary parents, staff and children have been in supplying a huge range of food items.   

"The numbers of families struggling as a result of the cost of living crisis is increasing dramatically.  

"There is a lot of anxiety amongst our clients as people wonder how they will be able to pay their bills let alone buy food this winter. This food will help us support over 60 local families and vulnerable individuals.    

"When we used to drop food parcels, we were thanked for the food but increasingly, we are being thanked for the ‘love’ we are giving.  

"I think it is really important for people not to feel alone at this time.”

Lindsey added: "We are desperate for donations of long life milk, tuna and rice.  We are also looking for drivers with cars - or to drive our van - to deliver food parcels and/or collect vegetables and bread."

Food donations can be dropped off at Greens of Highgate, in Highgate High Street, and Greens on the Hill, in 112 Muswell Hill Broadway,as well as at Becky's Convenience Store, in Dresden Road, Archway. For more information: www.awtf.org.