Pupils at Wellington School are participating in Operation Christmas Child this year. Over 85 gift-filled shoe-boxes from the school will be sent around the world, to give underprivileged children in many countries of the developing world a Christmas present.
“I wanted our Year 7 and 8 children to learn about the value of giving, but it is important to emphasise the need for them to raise their own funds to partake” commented Anusha Gunga, RE teacher at Wellington School who has co-ordinated the project.
“Pupils had to raise money to buy gifts with which to fill the box, as well as an additional shipping fee. Housework, washing cars and baking and selling cakes were popular fund raising activities, and one child had to serve as their younger sister’s ‘slave’ for a week!”
Operation Christmas child is the world’s largest children’s Christmas project, run by the Christian charity Samaritan’s Purse. The gift boxes, designated for girl or boys of specific ages, are filled with toys, toothbrushes, sweets, gloves, hats, puzzles, pencils and other goodies and sent from a central collection point around the world to partners – often churches – to distribute.
“I have been delighted with the response from our pupils, they have thrown themselves enthusiastically into fund raising and have really reflected upon what they have”, concluded Anusha Gunga.