Spreading Christmas joy

A CANNING Town school has been doing its bit to make Christmas special for children in poor countries.

Pupils at St Luke’s, Ruscoe Road, have been putting together presents with parents, staff, friends and the parish church for children in countries devastated by famine, conflict and war.

Over 130 colourful boxes containing toys, stationery, toiletry items and sweets are being sent under a Christmas appeal led by charity, Samaritans Purse.

Danielle Pene, of Year Five, said: “It’s really important that we think about others at Christmas.

“There are so many children in need and living in fear and our boxes will put a smile on their faces.”

The big-hearted pupils have also been sponsoring six children in Kenya for the last eight years who have been rescued by charity Kids Alive UK.

This year the pupils have raised �1,560 to provide education and medicines for Kids Alive by selling fruit bags, smoothies and cakes, chutney and organic produce grown in their allotments. Adwoa Agyei-Kessie, of Year Six, said: “I’m so pleased that I’ve got the chance to make a difference to the lives of these needy children.

“I know that children in Kenya and Burma appreciate all our hard work.”