Boxing up help and joy for needy children of Eastern European

PUPILS at a Cheadle school have donated toys to needy children in Eastern Europe.

Youngsters at Bishop Rawle Primary School filled 25 shoe boxes of toys as part of a national Rotary Club scheme.

Members of Cheadle Rotary Club were the special guests at the school on Thursday to receive the boxes, which were packed full of toys for needy youngsters.

Pupils have been busy donating their unwanted toys to the scheme - which is organised by the Rotary Club every year.

The school art classes have also been decorating the boxes to make them look even more appealing when they are received by the children later this year.

The Rotary Club also donated 10 dictionaries to students at Bishop Rawle to show their appreciation for the school's hard work.

Past president Richard Gallagher said: "We do this every year and it is great to see so many boxes which we can now donate.

"It is also fantastic that the children are thinking and learning about those children who are in need in these countries.

"We would like to thank the teachers, the school and the parents who have helped to make this a success once again."

Bhupendra Dave, International Service Committee Chairman for the Rotary Club, added: "Children in these countries can't afford toys, so this will mean a lot to them.

"It also helps children to learn about charity from a young age, which can only be a good thing."

Pat Hurst is the Year Two teacher at the school and is also Head of Key Stage One.

She said: "All the children have been extremely generous and it is pleasing there are some brilliant toys that are being donated.

"There is a good mix for younger and older children too.

"It is lovely to have the Rotary Club in the school and for us to be involved in this wonderful scheme.

"The Rotary Club are part of our community and it is important for the school to be involved in this scheme."

Pupils at the school said they were looking forward to the children in Eastern Europe receiving the shoe boxes.

Seven-year-old Jonah Thorneycroft said: "It is nice to be taking part."

Anya Tomkinson, aged seven, said: "We have enjoyed working on this project and it makes us happy to be able to donate toys to other children."

Eve Bradshaw, aged six, said: "I think this is good and I hope the children like the toys."