BIG-HEARTED school pupils have teamed up with a Rotary club to make sure disadvantaged children get a Christmas present this year.

Halstead Rotary Club has launched its annual shoebox appeal.

The appeal sees supporters pack a shoebox with gifts which will then be sent out to families in some of the poorest parts of Eastern Europe.

Well-wishers can send gifts for children, babies and adults to make sure even some of the most disadvantage people in Europe get a present this Christmas.

Rotary has staged the appeal for the past 25 years and has delivered more than one million boxes.

While the appeal lasts all year, schools and organisations get more involved in the run-up to Christmas.

Now pupils at the St Margaret’s School in Gosfield are doing their bit, donating an amazing 84 shoeboxes.

Halstead Rotary president Alison Farrugia visited the school to receive boxes donated by pupils, parents and staff.

She said: “It was a pleasure to meet the children who had fun filling the boxes.

“They loved taking part, knowing that little acts of kindness and generosity make a huge difference in an individual’s life.

“On behalf of all the members of Halstead Rotary we thank you for all your efforts and support in spreading a little happiness.

“Our aim is to put a smile on the faces of children who might not otherwise receive presents this Christmas. For some children and families, that one shoebox will be their only Christmas present.”

Rotary says the boxes will be distributed to orphanages, hospitals, disabled children and families in need.

Carolyn Moss, headteacher at St Margaret’s, added: “At St. Margaret’s we are proud to support the Rotary club and this very worthy cause once again.

“By working together as a whole community of pupils, parents and staff, I am delighted that we can make such a difference this Christmas to those facing a bleak festive period.”

Members of Halstead Rotary boosted the total to 104 shoeboxes.

For more information about the appeal, visit rotaryshoebox.org.