Schoolgirl, 8, uses sewing skills to raise money for Alnwick District Food Bank

Eight-year-old Amelia Black, from Alnwick raised £90 for the Alnwick District Food Bank by making hand stitched Christmas decorations, including stockings, Christmas puddings and gingerbread men and selling them locally.

Money raised by her efforts was used to buy food from a local supermarket which was then donated to the food bank.

Amelia’s father, Chris Black said: “Amelia has always been one of those children that has never had to worry about food.”

She recently learnt about food banks from her parents after it was brought up in a conversation.

Chris added: “She couldn’t believe other people have to rely on food banks and ration their food.”

This is what inspired her to make her own Christmas themed decorations to try and raise money to help the food bank.

Using skills she learnt at her after school sewing club, Amelia used felt, which she cut into shapes then hand stitched and stuffed to make her own Christmas themed decorations that could be displayed in people’s homes.

The decorations where sold to people locally and she managed to raise £85 which was then used to buy food at a local supermarket. While at the store Amelia received another £5 donation from a shopper.

The food bought was then donated to Alnwick District Food Bank who posted a ‘thank you’ to their Facebook page, it says: “Alnwick District Food Bank would like to thank Amelia Black who raised £90 making Christmas decorations.

“She spent the money on food and delivered it to us in person.

“A fantastic effort from a lovely young lady that will go towards bringing some Christmas cheer to those less fortunate.”

Chris added: “Amelia was really pleased with what she had done, she has raised for other charities before.

“The food bank was really overwhelmed with what she had took in as well.”