Leongatha Primary School joins Operation Christmas Child again

LEONGATHA Primary School students, with support from parents, pitched in for this year’s Operation Christmas Child, an annual initiative run by Samaritan’s Purse.

Toys and school needs were popular choices long-term Operation Christmas Child volunteer Doreen Western said.

She underscored the importance of items such as pencils to those who receive gifts in countries that may include Fiji, Philippines, Thailand and Cambodia, explaining that these items provide a starting point for children to access education, and emphasising the vital role of stationery.

Doreen said that with Leongatha Primary School children helping select items for the boxes they often lean towards toys, something that is sure to bring joy to recipients.

She explained that the contribution of Samaritan’s Purse isn’t limited to Christmas gifts.

“When they deliver the shoeboxes, they look at the villages and see if there are other needs such as water pumps,” Doreen explained.

Grade 6 Leongatha Primary School students Levi Sweeney and Harper Pitts were among the enthusiastic group packing shoeboxes on Monday 
October 9.

“I’m fortunate and I like doing good deeds for people and it’s good to be able to help,” Harper said.

“It’s fun packing them,” Levi said, also appreciating the opportunity to give to those less advantaged.

While students packing boxes ranged from Grades 4 to 6, the donations came from all year levels across the school.

Teachers outlined Operation Christmas Child to members of the Student Representative Council (SRC) about five weeks ago.

The SRC members then explained the campaign to their classmates, promoting enthusiasm to contribute.

Teacher Joel Cahir, who has helped run the SRC program throughout the year, said that in addition to the benefits of those receiving gifts, SRC members’ involvement helps give them greater student voice and the chance to show leadership.

Fellow teacher Jessie Evans, who also helps run the SRC program, is delighted by the school’s involvement in Operation Christmas Child.

“It’s a fantastic initiative that children elsewhere can be given a Christmas gift,” she said.

Any members of the community wishing to return a filled shoebox, please call local representative Doreen on 0473 179 623.