TY Christmas Shoebox Appeal

Over three action-packed days from Wednesday the 6th to Friday the 9th of November, St David’s Transition Year students helped organise and prepare shoeboxes for distribution as part of Team Hope’s annual Shoebox Appeal.

Team Hope is a charity that does trojan work to help those most in need. Every year they undertake the massive project of collecting and administering tens of thousands of shoeboxes filled with toys and surprises to children in need all around Africa and other disadvantaged parts of the world.  These shoeboxes are likely the only Christmas gift these children will receive and are kindly donated by a combination of organisations and individuals. 

Approximately fifteen TY students visited Hillside Evangelical Church each day where the sorting was taking place. The students were split into 3 groups which had different responsibilities. Group one ensured that the boxes contained no banned items such as liquids and chocolate. Group two checked the boxes to confirm that they had the 4 W's- something to wear, wash, write and something wow! Group three packed the boxes so that they were ready to be collected. It was particularly enjoyable to sort through the many magnificent boxes donated by our very own amazing First Years who made a big contribution to this very worthy cause. 

After the day was over, the students walked away exhausted but proud of themselves knowing that they had made a difference and helped other children in need. For some, however, their work is not over yet, as they are volunteering there next week for their work experience placement. 

For more information, visit www.teamhope.ie when you donate or learn about how to create your own shoebox.

Reporter: Ella Tidd 

Photographer: Ella Andrews