Rotary Shoebox Scheme

This year’s Christmas charity event will be run by members of 13 Newton. The decision was made to run a Shoebox Appeal through The Rotary Shoebox Scheme.

The Rotary Shoebox Scheme sends shoeboxes filled with various gifts throughout the year to many different countries in Central and Eastern Europe. Toys are especially useful all year round for birthday presents in the orphanages, homes and hospitals. All age groups, including teenagers, have welcomed the boxes. They have delivered to children and teenagers in orphanages, hospitals and also to street kids, to adults in TB and AIDS hospitals, to disadvantaged families, to women’s refuges and to older folk in hostels with no supporting families. Shoebox gifts have been delivered to Belarus, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Albania, Croatia, Romania and Kosovo.

We are aiming to have all shoeboxes filled by Wednesday 14th December. All pupils across the years have been encouraged to bring in any of the following:

• Toys such as ‘Matchbox’ type toy cars, small bouncy balls, jigsaws, fluffy toys, dolls, colouring books, felt tip pens, Lego, yoyo’s, bubble blow, etc.
• Gifts for teenagers: 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.
• Above all, the gifts should be either unused or in a very good condition, 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.
• NO FOOD PLEASE!

Additionally, 13 Newton will be running a Christmas Raffle on Friday 9th December to raise funds for shipment of the boxes, which will take place during AM registration and at break and lunchtime in the cafeteria. Tickets are 20p each.

*The first prize will be a non-uniform day for the winner and their form on the last day of term before the Christmas holidays.

*The second prize will be a big box of chocolate.

The winners will be announced on Monday 12th December.

A big thank you to those who have brought in gifts for the appeal.

For more information about the Rotary Shoebox Scheme and their work, please visit: www.rotaryshoebox.org/

Ms Forth and Mr Kleczkowski