Big-hearted students team-up to donate 147 shoeboxes filled with gifts to children overseas

Students at the Northampton Academy have been busy taking part in Operation Christmas Child, a scheme, which is coordinated by international relief charity, Samaritan’s Purse.

The shoebox donation scheme was organised by pupils from the Student Leadership Team across the academy, who got together to donate 147 shoe boxes filled with toys, books, and toiletries.

Naomi Francis, Head of Year 13, said: “Operation Christmas child has been a fantastic success. We have thoroughly enjoyed the experience which has shown how generous students and staff at our school are. We have all come together to help make Christmas more special for others.

“The commitment from the students has been overwhelming and the student leadership team have spent a lot of their own time wrapping and packing boxes. It really shows that Christmas is a time for giving.”

As well as this, Northampton Academy students have also raised more than £230 to cover the postage.

The Christmas shoe boxes shall be sent across the globe and received by less fortunate children of all ages.

Hollie English, Deputy Head Girl, said: “Students across the academy relished the opportunity to take part in this project,” “I’m so proud of the school coming together to help those that are less fortunate. It has been such a humbling experience and I have enjoyed leading the team on this initiative.”

Head Boy, Matthew Bates added that he was “overwhelmed with the amount of boxes collected and proud to do our bit for the wider community.”