A SCHOOL in North Yorkshire is looking to spread happiness with a new shoebox scheme - filling them with small gifts and household items to be donated to the less fortunate in other countries over Christmas.

Staff and students at independent school Queen Ethelburga’s (QE) near York have donated 75 shoeboxes for the Rotary Shoebox Scheme.

Children in Chapter House within the early years, infant and junior provision, along with volunteer leaders, the collegiate charity committee and a number of day students have taken part in the scheme - which will see the shoe boxes delivered to Eastern Europe for distribution to disadvantaged families and those most in need, ahead of the upcoming festive season.

Eleanor Smith, outreach manager and co-curricular coordinator at the school, said: “It is fantastic to have seen the positive response to our shoebox appeal this year, and it’s evident that thought and consideration has gone into each and every box that has been put together.

“This can be a difficult time of year for many families and we hope that all our boxes go some way in spreading a little happiness from one community to another, across the miles.”

In addition to the items within the boxes, the school’s charity committee and volunteer leaders have also been busy making personalised Christmas cards to include in each box, as the boxes will be delivered to those in around Christmas time to brighten up their festive period.

When making the donations, the boxes were handed over to David Druett, president of Knaresborough Rotary Club.

Mr Druett said: “Thank you so much for making this tremendous effort which will brighten the lives of many children and families in the poorest parts of Eastern Europe.

“The personal messages from young people in far away England will mean a lot.”

This is the third time that Queen Ethelburga’s has donated to the shoe box scheme, which was originally started by UK registered not for profit charity North West Rotary clubs back in 1994 - and has delivered over one million boxes since then.

The scheme is run by Rotary clubs all over the country. To find out more, or make a donation to the initiative, visit: www.rotaryshoebox.org

Queen Ethelburga’s is an “Excellent” rated Collegiate. The establishment is known locally, nationally and internationally as a group of four schools that promotes the “highest standards in all that it does.” Set in more that 220 acres of North Yorkshire countryside, Queen Ethelburga’s has provided students with a “vibrant and supportive” school community since 1912.

Welcoming students aged from just three months, up to 19 years, every student is provided with a “springboard to their individual successes”, whatever pathway they choose. The school’s Collegiate Hill Standard is: “To be the best that I can with the gifts that I have.”