Little Stars shine the light of love at Christmas

Youngsters from George Town took inspiration from the Presentation Sisters’ founder, Nano Nagle, when they collected gifts to send to children in need.

Star of the Sea Catholic College Kinder teacher Trudy Hoffman was delighted with her students’ response to the festive project.

“This activity is part of our school’s outreach program,” she said. 

“I hope that the children will learn love and compassion for others less fortunate than themselves.

“Compassion for the poor was part of the Presentation Sisters’ charism. Providing education for the poor was important to Nano Nagle. Some of the important items we placed in the Christmas boxes were those which the children could use for schooling, such as pens, pencils and exercise books. 

“When we had packed the boxes I explained to my class that the most important thing we had placed into the boxes was our love.”

This is the second year in a row that Kinder students from the College have supported the Samaritan’s Purse/Operation Christmas Child project in which people are asked to bless children in need across the world by filling shoeboxes with toys, hygiene items, school supplies and gifts.

This year, the four and five year olds, and their families, provided items for 20 shoe boxes. The children helped to pack the boxes at school.

“One young man called Luis saved pocket money by doing chores which he used to buy some items,” Ms Hoffman added. 

“Packing the Christmas boxes is a very rewarding activity for all and I hope to be able to continue doing this with my class annually.”

_{Image: Samaritan’s Purse representative Beth Garwood, Kinder aide Louise Rushton and Kinder teacher Trudy Hoffman with Kindergarten students from George Town’s Star of the Sea Catholic College and the pile of Christmas shoeboxes.}