‘Amazingly generous’ gift gesture by pupils
SHOE boxes filled with donated “surprise gifts” are to be handed over to 27 children from the Ziyamet Special Needs School at a New Year party in Mehmetçik on Monday.
In a gesture described as “amazing generosity”, seven students from a class at Lefke Gazi High School have chipped in by themselves filling up shoe boxes with cuddly toys, teddy bears and gifts after being told about the campaign by their teacher.
Santa Claus will pay a special visit to hand out the gifts at Monday’s party, at the Çelebi Hotel, where children will also have fun playing pass the parcel, breaking open a piñata and trying out sticker tattoos.
The gift appeal was launched by the Making a Difference (MAD) group of volunteers, who are also organising the party.
Organiser Claire Lamb said the campaign had received “tremendous support” and that any spare gift boxes would be distributed to children from poor families.
“We have received such kind gestures, especially from school students, who have brought in various items to fill shoe boxes and we appreciate their amazing generosity,” she said.
“This party will be a very special one and we will have the parents with the children as well, so they can all join in with the fun. Any [boxes left over] will be given to poor families as nothing will go to waste. They will go to children in need in the area.”