Spotlight on Partnership: St Winefride’s & Little Stars
At Little Stars, we’re incredibly proud of the relationships we build with our community, and our partnership with St Winefride ‘s RC Independent School is a wonderful example of how sustained support can grow into something truly special.
St Winefride’s has been supporting Little Stars since 2024, first getting involved with an amazing collection of items for our baby bank and taking part in our very first Wear Stars 4 Little Stars Day. That same year, the school staff and parents also helped raise funds by attending our inaugural Halloween Ball. Since then, the partnership has continued to blossom, developing into a full year of meaningful activities throughout 2024 and an especially impactful 2025.
In 2025, the pupils, staff and families went above and beyond, supporting Little Stars in so many thoughtful and practical ways.
Easter Clothes Donation Drive
The year began with a clothes donation drive in the lead-up to the Easter holidays, with parents and staff generously donating gently worn and new clothing from our wishlist. These much-needed items provided immediate, practical support and it was the perfect way to begin a year of collaboration, setting the tone for the thoughtful and impactful support that followed.
Volunteering at the Little Stars Shop
One of the most heartwarming parts of our partnership has been welcoming pupils into the Little Stars charity shop as volunteers.
We were delighted to host three groups of children from the school’s Mini Vinnies, who joined our team across several days. They got stuck in with sorting donations, labelling clothing, restocking rails, and learning first-hand about how Little Stars supports families in the community.
Their energy, enthusiasm, and kindness were truly inspiring. It was a joy to watch them take pride in their work and understand the impact they were having. It was also lovely to see parents and teachers popping into the shop to support them, showing just how strong and engaged the school community is.
Wear Stars 4 Little Stars Week
For the second-year running, St Winefride’s proudly took part in Wear Stars 4 Little Stars Week. Ahead of the event, Leanne and Chantal visited the school to talk to the pupils about Project Nighttime, explaining why having a safe and comfortable place to sleep is so important for babies and children.
Pupils and staff enjoyed a fun-filled pyjama day, while parents generously donated funds and essential items to support the project. This creative and joyful initiative raised both awareness and vital funds, proving once again that fundraising can be meaningful and fun.
Going the Extra Mile
The support didn’t stop there. In September, one of the teachers, Mrs Richards, joined Team Little Stars at the Shrewsbury Metric Half Marathon, helping raise as a collective an incredible £1,752 to support our work, a truly amazing achievement.
Youth Awareness Day
St Winefride’s also chose Little Stars as their charity to support for Youth Awareness Day, a brilliant youth-led initiative spearheaded by the High Sheriff of Shropshire. Pupils took part by wearing blue and fundraising, raising over £370 to support children and young people in their local community.
Santa’s Little Stars Campaign
Finally, pupils and staff organised a fantastic 12 Days of Advent collection just before breaking up for the Christmas holidays, donating books, toys, toiletries and baby comforters. The generosity was overwhelming, and the impact was immediate.
As the school shared:
“This term we have been collecting items for Little Stars, including new clothes, toys, and books. We hope these will make a difference to families at Christmas and spread joy. The Mini Vinnie team have lots of exciting plans to continue our vision of providing assistance to those in need in 2026.”
Looking Ahead to 2026
With such an active, generous, and engaged partnership throughout 2025, we’re incredibly excited to continue working with St Winefride’s School in 2026. There are lots more activities planned, and we can’t wait to see how this partnership continues to grow.
From Chantal, Little Stars Marketing and Fundraising Coordinator:
“St Winefride’s contributions in 2025 have been incredible. From fundraising and donation drives to volunteering, pupils and staff have shown true commitment and care. Partnerships like this show the real power of community and the difference we can make together.”
A huge thank you to the pupils, staff and families at St Winefride’s School. Your kindness, generosity, and enthusiasm have had a real and lasting impact on families across Shropshire.
Want to collaborate with Little Stars in 2026?
We’d love to hear from you — get in touch at corporate@littlestarscharity.org
