Dear Parents,
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD – SHOEBOX APPEAL 2021
Operation Christmas child sends a message of hope to children around the world through gift-filled shoeboxes. It is the world’s largest children’s Christmas project. Since 1990, the project has brought the joy of Christmas to more than 178 million children in more than 150 countries. Every year, shoeboxes are sent to children in hospitals, orphanages, homeless shelters and poor communities. This year, as a school, we have decided to support this project and open it up to all the children and families who would like to get involved. It is not compulsory, but it would be great if we can get as many of you as possible to take part and make a shoebox that can be sent to disadvantaged children.
Through this campaign, we want to teach children here at Lucton School about generosity for others, and compassion, to make them aware of the fact that there are children elsewhere in the world who have nothing, and give them the opportunity to do something practical, yet so simple, that can make such a difference.
If you would like to make a shoebox at home, please refer to the leaflet that your child will bring home. If you go to any local shoe shop, they often have lots of empty boxes which they would be happy to give to you if you tell them it is for a charity. Items that can be included in a shoebox must be new, however, you can easily fill a shoebox very inexpensively at shops like Wilkinson’s, Tesco, Asda or Poundland. It is helpful to decide whether you are shopping for a boy or a girl and for what age range before going to shop for your gifts. Please make sure your gifts are age appropriate. You might also like to include a photo and a card to show the child who receives your box whom it is from. Below are some suggestions:
- new small toys: games, puzzles, soft toys, balls, cars, playing cards
- school supplies: pencils, pens, erasers, sharpeners, felt pens, colouring books, notepad, chalk, crayons
- toiletries: soap, flannel, toothpaste, toothbrush, comb, brush (no bottles)
- something to wear: hat, scarf, gloves, necklaces
Please see the leaflet for items which are not allowed. Once you have filled your shoebox and wrapped it (box and lid separately), if possible, please donate £5 which will cover project costs, including shipping, to enable a local church or group overseas to lead a safe, well-organised children’s event where your shoebox will be given to a child in need. If you give online, you are able to print out a barcode and place it inside your shoebox on top of the contents. This will enable the charity to inform you of which country your shoe box gets sent to. You will receive an email in February with a link to discover your shoebox destination. Please put an elastic band around your box and stick one of the labels from the leaflet onto your box to show whom the box is appropriate for.
I would love to be able to send as many shoeboxes as possible from Lucton students to children around the world. Please get family and friends involved if you can. If you are able to pack a box that will undoubtedly bring great joy to a child elsewhere, please do. I know Christmas may still feel like a long way away, but the deadline is just a couple of weeks after half term – boxes need to be back in school by Friday 19th November at the latest in order to arrive with the children by Christmas, but the sooner they are in the better in order to help us prepare for collection.
Should you have any questions about Operation Christmas Child, please visit:
I appreciate your support in supporting this valuable project and hope that together we can bring some joy into the lives of children who would otherwise have nothing this Christmas.
Many thanks in advance for your support.
Yours sincerely,
Emily Leonard
Year 5 Form Teacher
