Following the excitement of last year’s visit, we were delighted to return to the Operation Christmas Child regional packing centre - this time taking two minibuses so more students could take part. On Friday 12th December, 27 Sixth Form students, accompanied by Mr Osugo, Mrs Curtis, Anita Jones and Assistant Chaplain Adam Bignell, travelled to Chessington to support the incredible work that happens before each shoebox begins its journey across the world.

We learnt that many of the boxes processed that day were destined for persecuted Christian communities in Albania and Belarus. Students also gained insight into the careful checking process, including the need to remove certain items - such as Nivea-branded products - due to political sensitivities in some regions.

Working alongside around 50 volunteers, our students helped to process an impressive 2,500 shoeboxes in just three hours. Christmas music kept the atmosphere joyful as they labelled, checked, and prepared each box for its onward journey.

We also witnessed the enormous scale of the operation: on the day that we visited, 10,000 shoeboxes were scheduled to be loaded onto the first of two lorries destined for Eastern Europe. The trip once again reminded our students how small acts of kindness can create a global impact.

As these boxes travel towards Albania, Belarus, and beyond, we ask our school community to keep their safe arrival in your prayers. We look forward to continuing this tradition of service next year!