Stanley six-year-old named 'community star' after helping homeless

Emily Ritchie, from Stanley, asked her mum Lauren in late October what she could do to help stop people who were homeless from getting cold.

With the help of her fellow pupils at Greenlands Community Primary School in Stanley and the team at PACT House, it wasn’t long before Emily collected over 30 donations which are now heading to those in need this Christmas.

The letter that Emily wrote to her headteacher, Miss Lewis Picture: KARBON HOMES (Image: Picture: KARBON HOMES)

Emily’s generosity has seen her be named one of Karbon Home’s 12 Deeds of Christmas Community Stars.

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The initiative aims to recognise a mix of individuals and organisations from across Karbon communities who have gone the extra mile to help others and deserve a big thank you.

Emily’s mum Lauren said: “I couldn’t be prouder of Emily. She’s always been a real sweetheart but when she came up with the idea to start a collection I couldn’t believe how thoughtful and kind it was.

“You don’t expect an idea like that from a six year old.”

“She wrote a beautiful letter to her headteacher, Miss Lewis, asking if her friends and teachers could help and the school have been brilliant in helping make this a success.

“I’m also really thankful to the team at PACT House who we've given the donations to to make sure they get to those who need them most.”

Tom Sterling from Chester-le-Street receiving his Community Star thankyou from Karbon Homes’ Community Connector, Paul Hadden Picture: KARBON HOMES (Image: Picture: KARBON HOMES)

Emily has also joined a number of other Durham based Community Stars in this year’s 12 Deeds of Christmas List including the volunteers at Burnopfield Community Centre, the 1st Burnmoor Scouts and Thomas Sterling for his dedication to Great Lumley Methodist Church and supporting communities in Chester-le-Street.

All the named community stars received a thank you and a £100 shopping voucher to treat themselves.

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Paul Moralee, community investment manager at Karbon Homes, said: “Once again it’s been humbling to be involved with the 12 Deeds of Christmas initiative.

“It’s heartening to hear about the amazing work that individuals and organisations are doing in the community to support others and to bring cheer.

“It was difficult to whittle the nominations down, as we had so many amazing nominations.”