Norma Road Primary School pupils handed out grocery hampers to the elderly, in Silvertown, last week.
The school starts an outreach project once a term, according to deputy principal Farida Cameron.
Pupils donated non-perishable foods and toiletries in the weeks leading up to the handover at the Rainbow Lane Cottages, on Wednesday July 20.
“What makes our outreaches even more significant, is that many of our learners come from homes where they themselves don’t have much,” said Ms Cameron. “So we would ask parents to donate canned food one week, the next week, we would ask for packets of food, and then toiletries, and then just before we distribute, we also ask for bread donations.
“We made up 140 grocery parcels filled with basic necessities, and the children gave it to the seniors themselves, so that they could experience the blessing of giving.”
Each of the 76 cottages at the complex received a hamper.
The balance would be distributed to families of pupils at the school, especially households where grandmothers raised their grandchildren, Ms Cameron said.
Some of the seniors were overcome with emotion when they received the groceries. Some were not only grateful for the gift, but also that they could spend some time with children, as some of them have not seen their families in a long time.
Maria Britz, 94, is the oldest resident at Rainbow Lane, and she received a special parcel.
“Every year they bring us something, and I think it’s very nice. I want to thank everybody who made this possible,” Ms Britz said.
Sisters Asa, 84, and Fatima Kamish, 74, who share a cottage, also expressed their gratitude.
“We are grateful for the donation and we really appreciate it,” said Asa.
Grade 7 pupil Iemaan Adams said she felt as if she had received “a lot of blessings back”.
Katheer Nelson, who is also in Grade 7, said the experience had left him feeling humble, grateful and sad.