For the second year in a row students at Northampton Academy have been busy taking part in Operation Christmas Child, run by Samaritan’s Purse.
In a project organised by the Student Leadership Team, students across the Academy have donated a total of 135 shoe boxes filled with toys, books, toiletries and other such items, which will be sent out internationally to less fortunate children of all ages.
Students relished the opportunity to take part in this project, with one Year 8 form going the extra mile by filling 18 boxes between them. Form 8A1 gave up their break and lunch times over a three week period to collate and wrap the gifts which included toys, games, colouring books, crayons and educational materials. A Christmas card from the class with a special message was placed inside each box.
Year 8 tutor Lisa Ridgard said, “My tutor group were amazing, I am really proud of their efforts and the way they care for others. They were so excited and said they wish they could see the children open their gifts Christmas day. I am really proud of their hard work and have shown great respect for other children. I know they all enjoyed this …..”
Year 13 Student Sky Juajan commented, “This project meant a lot to me personally as I grew up in Thailand and have personally seen the struggles and deprivation some children face. Receiving a gift like this means such a lot to them and can last forever in their memory”.
Mark Lwamusar added, “A project like this brings the whole school together for one cause, it makes students happy to help less fortunate children and makes us realise how lucky we are.”
Naomi Francis, Sixth Form teacher said, “Operation Christmas Child has been a fantastic success once again. This experience has shown how generous students and staff at Northampton Academy school are. We have all come together with a determination to help make Christmas more special for those less fortunate.
“The commitment from the students has been overwhelming and the Sixth Form leadership team have spent a lot of their own time wrapping and packing boxes. It really shows that Christmas is a time for giving!”