A SCHOOL girl and her family have been working together to support those struggling during the pandemic.

The Sandhu family have been volunteering as part of Nishkam SWAT charity, distributing warm food and other essentials to anyone who needs them. Every Tuesday and Thursday the Headington family have been distributing the food in Oxford City Centre.

Lockdown has meant volunteers have dropped to just three and the van used to distribute the items needed some work, including organising donated food, sleeping bags, toiletries and general clean-up.

Malika, who is in Year 5 at Headington Prep School, stepped up to help and cleaned and organised the van for the volunteer effort.

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Dad Mr Harmeet Sandhu said: “She used her great planning and organising skills learned at school to clean and organise the van. She did a fantastic job and made us very proud.

“We believe it is really important for our kids to understand the importance of selfless service.”

Mr Sandhu said the charity was always in need of more warm clothing, sleeping bags, tents and in particular, additional volunteers.

He thanked restaurants Franco Manca and Kebab Kid for hot food donations, which are supplemented by home cooking from Mr Sandhu and another volunteer.

He also welcomes the help from any other Oxford restaurants that can provide food.

Anybody who would like to help with food donation or volunteering should contact oxford@nishkamswat.org and more information about the charity.

The van is parked in Broad Street from 7.00 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

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