Leweston School pupils drop off shoeboxes of gifts for underprivileged children

Pupils from Leweston School’s junior department travelled to Bailey Ridge to drop off shoeboxes full of gifts as part of the project ‘Operation Christmas Child’.

The project is run by Christian charity Samaritan’s Purse, who have been sending gift-filled shoe boxes around the world since it was started in 1990, bringing joy and hope into the lives of more than 100 million underprivileged children.

More than 50 shoeboxes were collected by the Leweston pupils this year, with every child donating at least one box, and one child generously bringing in four! Two children from the Nursery also brought in boxes and joined their siblings on the trip to Bailey Ridge where they were able to meet Father Christmas and his Reindeer.

Mrs Bridgeman-Sutton, Senior Teacher, said: “The children had taken real love and care when filling their shoeboxes for ‘Operation Christmas Child’.

“They are aware how much they themselves have and how lucky they are. As a school we are delighted to be supporting the project and hope that our donations will help to bring joy into the lives of disadvantaged children.

“Being able to hand over the gifts to Father Christmas and his reindeer made the whole occasion magical and although Christmas is still over a month away, the festive feeling can already be felt in the Junior Department thanks to our wonderful trip to Bailey Ridge.”

Leweston Junior Department is incredibly grateful for the welcome they received at Bailey Ridge and the opportunity to hand over their shoeboxes in person.