Pupils and staff at Ilsham Church of England Academy, which is part of the Learning Academy Partnership (LAP), have been putting together shoeboxes full of Christmas goods for a children’s charity.
The academy has been working closely with St Matthias Church in Wellswood in their efforts to support the annual shoebox appeal for children and families in Eastern Europe. Ilsham’s school community has very close links with the church and often contributes to their charity initiatives and this year has been no different.
Pupils’ families and staff members have been generously supporting this wonderful cause through the donation of a number of boxes. The boxes are filled with fun toys, hygiene products and school supplies for children of different ages to open on Christmas day.
Following such widespread support and enthusiasm for the cause, a final contribution of 110 boxes was collected from the St Matthias church community.
The pupils really enjoyed collecting and packing the shoeboxes and were delighted that they were given the opportunity to help make someone else’s Christmas special.
Across Devon, many people collect for this cause and in mid-November; a packed truck leaves the warehouse in Exmouth and arrives in time for the parcels to be distributed to those who would otherwise have nothing at Christmas.
Jake Grinsill, Interim Head of Ilsham C of E Academy, said:
“It is wonderful to see the commitment and compassion for such a wonderful cause from our children, staff and the wider community. By contributing to wider society, they are having a positive impact on others, making the community and the world we live in a better place.”
