Skateboards, cricket pads and Lego sets were among the hundreds of gifts donated to children in need last night when Girton Grammar School held its annual Service of Carols.
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More than 2000 students, staff and parents split into their six school houses and attended services at six different churches, leaving in excess of 1000 presents to be distributed by St Vincent de Paul, St Luke’s and Bendigo Uniting Church Outreach Appeal.
St Kilian’s St Vincent de Paul conference secretary John McDermott said the gifts provided much needed joy for the thousands of families in Bendigo who require the support of charities.
“It also gives an enormous boost to the childrens’ self esteem, and helps them fit in with their peers,” he said.
The students were encouraged to give presents they themselves would like to recieve, and so the gifts varied according to ages and interests. Harrishman Shobanan, 14, gave three high bounce balls used in a game called four square, Caydn Thompson, 13, donated a magic set, while Phoebe Rathjen gave textas and pencils.