Pupils Take Action to Fill Festive Shoeboxes for Homeless

17 December 2020

Filling shoeboxes with essential items to help the homeless to protect themselves from Covid-19 was the best gift that the Oakgrove Primary School’s Social Action Group thought they could give this Christmas.

The group and their teachers took to social media, distributed posters and spoke to their families and the local community to spread the message. They were delighted with the response, over 100 shoeboxes were collected, filled to the brim with masks, hand sanitisers, hats, gloves and food.

Oakgrove Primary has donated the shoeboxes to the Winter Night Shelter, who support the homeless, vulnerable and those with mental health struggles in Milton Keynes.

Thanking the children for their amazing efforts to help others, Winter Night Shelter Fundraising Manager Sam Hall said:

“It was fantastic to visit Oakgrove Primary School and meet the thoughtful pupils to see how hard they had worked in collecting a mountain of gifts, which were beautifully wrapped in festive boxes.

“Our guests, who will visit our day centre for appointments with our welfare team, for meals, access to washing machines and support services, will truly appreciate this festive gesture.

“If anyone would like to know more or get involved please visit the Winter Night Shelter Milton Keynes’ website winternightsheltermk.com ”

Oakgrove Primary School Headteacher Mark Sim added:

“The Social Action Group were extremely considerate in, not only wanting to keep the homeless warm and safe, but to ensure that they have company too, with gifts such as wind up radios.

“The children believe it has been tough on everyone this year and that every person deserves a Christmas present.”