SWR appeals for 100 ‘parcels of happiness’

SIR William Romney’s School in Tetbury has launched an appeal to fill 100 gift shoeboxes for children who live in a world of poverty in Eastern Europe.

The appeal is part of a Rotary International initiative and has been organised by the school’s Design Technology curriculum coordinator Mike Wagner.

He comments: “Last year we sent 62 shoeboxes and I’m confident we can hit our 100-box target.”

Three different types of boxes can be filled for various age groups (2-4 years, 5-9 years and 10-14 years) and these may contain gifts such as toys, toiletries, educational and household items.

“We have sent a list of suggested gifts to students and parents, but I would like to stress that all items must be new and no battery-operated goods or perishable food can be packed, although long-life Haribos or boiled sweets are OK,” he adds.

Students or parents can also ‘buy’ a box by donating £10, but in order for the shoeboxes to reach Romania in time for Easter, donations should be sent to the school by February 13 and boxes by March 5.

The Rotary Shoebox Appeal originated in 1994 and now provides more than 60,000 parcels of happiness to children and families in Eastern Europe.

For many it will be the first gift they have ever received.