In the final week of the Autumn Term, Danes Hill School pupils took part in the annual Shoebox Wrap for two local charities – Shooting Star Chase and The Children’s Trust.
On the final Wednesday of term pupils in Middle School abandoned their usual afternoon lessons to pitch in and fill festive shoeboxes for children less fortunate than themselves. Representatives from both Shooting Star Chase and The Children’s Trust visited Danes Hill School earlier this term to talk to the pupils about the charities and the impact their gifts could have on children under their care.
Shooting Star Children’s Hospice are a leading children’s hospice charity caring for babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions, and their families. They support families across Surrey and London from diagnosis to end of life and throughout bereavement with a range of nursing, practical, emotional and medical care. The shoeboxes filled, wrapped and delivered by Danes Hill School pupils will bring some Christmas cheer to the children who are spending Christmas Day in the hospice this year.
Our pupils chose an age range they wanted to buy for and conducted their own research to discover what gifts would be age and sensory appropriate. They then spent the afternoon with their classmates and teachers filling their reused shoeboxes and wrapping them with recyclable paper.
The Children’s Trust was the other recipient of the children’s generously filled shoeboxes. They are the UK’s leading charity for children with brain injury and neurodisability. They deliver rehabilitation, education and community services through skilled teams who work with children and young people, and their families.
Rob Andrews, Acting Head said:
“We teach our pupils that Christmas is a time for giving and sharing with those around us, but that it should not be limited to those whom we love and care for and who are close to us. It is also for the person we have never met and will never see. We wish all of the inspiring children and incredible staff at Shooting Star Chase and The Children’s Trust a very happy Christmas.”
