SCHOOL pupils have joined together with a community group to help bring smiles to the faces of underprivileged children in eastern Europe this Christmas.

St Margaret’s Preparatory School in Gosfield has teamed up with members of the Halstead Rotary Club on an epic challenge.

They have helped put together one hundred shoeboxes full of toys, toiletries, educational items and household goods.

The boxes will be shipped out to a number of eastern Europe countries such as Moldova and Ukraine in the coming weeks.Once there, the boxes will then be moved on to orphanages, hospitals and families in desperate need of support.

The partnership has been a great success and means while enjoying their own Christmas all those involved will know they have helped others to enjoy their Christmas also.

Keith Brownlie, president of the Halstead Rotary Club, said: “Shoe boxes are a great way of helping disadvantaged families who lack the bare essentials and is a great way of showing the school was thinking of others as we begin the countdown to the festive season.”

Headteacher Callum Douglas, added: “The children love taking part in the Rotary Christmas shoebox appeal, and thoroughly enjoy filling the boxes. It gives them a sense they are helping a real person and this allows them to feel part of the process.”