.jpg)
This year we are pleased to support Turton Rotary Club in their Shoebox Scheme.
The scheme was originally started in 1994 by North West Rotary Clubs to provide children of Iasi, in north-east Romania with Christmas gifts. Since then, the scheme has become a national project supported not only by Rotary Clubs but also by individuals, schools, companies and churches. The gift of a shoebox that contains toys, toiletries, educational items or household goods is a drop of happiness to the people of Eastern Europe who live in a world of poverty. For many, it will be the first present that they have ever received and it lets them know that somebody, somewhere cares. As well as Romania, shoebox gifts have been delivered to Belarus, Ukraine, Bulgaira, Albania, Croatia and Kosovo. They are gratefully received by children and teenagers in orphanages, hospitals and by children living on the streets. Adults in hospital, disadvantaged families and women’s refuges have also received them as have older people in hostels with no supporting families.
Representatives from Turton Rotary Club came into school yesterday to speak to our children during assembly to explain the scheme to them. If you would like to take part please call in at the school office for a shoebox. Boxes can be filled with: Toys such as ‘Matchbox’ type toy cars, small bouncy balls, jigsaws, fluffy toys, dolls, colouring books, felt tip pens, Lego, yoyo’s, bubbles etc. The type of contents are indicated on the box top. In the case of toys, additional information as to the suitability for boy or girl, along with age group is also indicated. A card with the senders name and address, along with a photograph is also a nice thing to include. Teenagers- Please remember boxes for teenage boys and girls up to the age of 18. Such as: make-up, toiletries, sportswear, scarf, gloves, hat, writing materials, deodorants, comb, mirror, football memorabilia, etc Household Goods such as hand soap, toothpaste and brushes, envelopes, letter paper, biro pens, etc. This box is also good for older folk, especially if a warm scarf or a pair of gloves is included. Toys are especially appreciated, since these boxes can be used for Christmas and birthday gifts. Please do not mix the contents of the boxes since this makes distribution difficult. Above all, the contents should be of good quality, remembering that the recipient will be opening the box in eager anticipation, and especially with the toys for the children, quite possibly the first real gifts they have received for as very long time. Food –PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE FOOD IN ANY OF THE BOXES Filled boxes may be handed back in at school during the first week back after half term, week commencing 3 November.