NORTH WALSHAM STUDENTS SEND CHRISTMAS CHEER IN SHOEBOXES

Eighteen Romanian families will be enjoying a happier Christmas this year – thanks to the generosity of Year 7 students at North Walsham High School.

Shoeboxes filled with toys, crayons, gloves, hats and even toothbrushes and combs will be winging their way to the country as part of the UK-wide Family Shoebox Appeal, which delivers gifts to families throughout eastern Europe who often have to make a choice between food and fuel.

This is the seventh year that NWHS students have taken part in the initiative, which was set up in 1992 by charity Link To Hope.  The charity ships thousands of such shoeboxes to poor families in eastern Europe each Christmas, with the aim of bringing a little Christmas cheer to families for whom buying gifts is just not an option.

The students have filled the shoeboxes with items for all family members, ranging from household items through to family games, sweets and soft toys.

“Every Year 7 student has contributed to the appeal,” said teacher Ros Fretwell.  “We encourage them to purchase items with their own pocket money if possible, so that they understand the concept of making a small sacrifice to help someone worse off than them enjoy a little Christmas cheer.

“Most of us have so much at Christmas, so it is important for children to stop and consider what it is like for those who are living in such poverty that Christmas presents simply don’t happen.

“As well as helping us all remember the true meaning of Christmas, the shoebox appeal gets Year 7 students working together just a few weeks after starting at the school.”

Once filled, the shoeboxes are wrapped in festive wrapping paper, and sent to the charity with a £2 per box contribution to transport – also raised by students at the school.