Organisers of Love Kingston are appealing to schools and colleges to show their love for the borough on Valentine’s Day by raising money for five local charities next year.

Love Kingston is a charity appeal that hopes to change the lives of thousands of vulnerable people in the borough, including the homeless, domestic violence victims, families without a meal on the table and troubled teenagers.

The campaign held its inaugural Love Kingston day on February 14 last year – Valentine’s Day – with groups of fundraisers taking part in fun activities across the borough and residents also donating to the cause.

But next year could be even bigger and better if schools get in on the act too, said organiser Elaine Miller.

She said: “If all the schools get involved – imagine how much we could raise for charity?

“There are so many great ways to get involved. I have a lot of ideas that could be quite fun.

“It’s also the last day of term for a lot of schools so a simple mufti day could raise money, or even Kingston or love themed photos, drawings or cakes.

“If as many of our schools could show just how much they love being in the borough I’m sure we could raise a lot of money and get a lot fantastic pictures too. Love Kingston is all about helping the community and bringing it together in fun ways.”

Kingston Grammar School has already become a founding donor by pledging £1,000 to the appeal, with Shrewsbury House School also following suit by donating £1,000 and getting students to help pack foods donated to the Chessington branch of Kingston Foodbank.

Headteacher Kevin Doble, of Shrewsbury House School, said: “Our pupils, through the pupil-led school council, nominated Love Kingston as the main benefitting charity from the school’s 2013 Harvest Festival.

“The staff and pupils of Shrewsbury House School pride themselves on our positive links with, and support of, deserving causes in our community. We look forward to developing further our involvement with Love Kingston and the very worthwhile support that they do and will provide for wider Kingston community.”

The charities that could be helped by taking part on the day are Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness, youth charity Oxygen supporting hard to reach young people, the Kingston Foodbank providing food in a crisis, credit union Kingston Savers and domestic violence refuge Hestia. To get involved visit love-kingston.org.uk or contact the Surrey Comet.