STUDENTS at Rockingham Lakes Primary School have helped spread the Christmas cheer by filling fifty shoeboxes with presents for Operation Christmas Child.
They ‘shopped’ for items to fill their shoeboxes and completed an activity sheet to let recipients know which part of the world they have come from.
The program is co-ordinated by YouthCARE chaplain Deb Cunningham
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWMs Cunningham said the children were excited about the prospect of giving presents to other children.
“This has been such a valuable teaching tool for our students – teaching the values of generosity, caring and volunteering,” she said.
“There are going to be some very happy children around when these boxes are delivered.”
Year 6 students Cameron Elphick and Holly Conolly said they enjoyed participating in the project and hoped it continued for many more years.
“Giving gifts in the shoeboxes is very satisfying and makes me feel proud to be a part of it,” Cameron said,
“The kids that get the shoeboxes are just so happy with what they receive and it’s so meaningful to them.”
Holly said she was proud to help make someone’s Christmas more enjoyable.
“I love being a part of the Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes,” she said,
“Our school chaplain went to Vietnam and handed out some shoeboxes to the children a couple of years ago and looking at the photos that she took there make it very real how much we delight.”
This is the fourth year the school has participated in the program.
MORE: Two people charged during hunt through southern suburbs
MORE: Burst water main closes Kalamunda SHS for a second day