Short Wood Primary School’s Annual Christmas Event Offers Free Toys

The headteacher of Short Wood Primary School has stated that the institution’s complimentary Christmas sharing event is highly valued by local residents. This annual event, hosted by the Wellington-based school, involves families associated with the school donating pre-owned toys and presents. These contributions are then arranged within the school’s sports hall, allowing community members to select items without charge during the period leading up to Christmas. Gail Butele remarked, “Just seeing families that can have a little bit extra, at no cost to them, is a real pleasure.” Speaking to BBC Radio Shropshire, she added, “We do have a whole range of things donated, which is amazing.” Ms. Butele further commented on the event’s significance, stating, “We all recognise the impact of the cost of living crisis, of rising prices, it’s [the event] something that is really cherished amongst our community now.” Known as Short Wood Shares, this initiative has been a yearly staple in the school’s schedule for approximately three years. Ms. Butele indicated that there was evident public interest in its continuation. Ms. Butele noted, “A lot of our families who have donated in the past, but have also gone and used things in the past, were asking us early on ‘when is it happening?”” She added that the event also benefits students, stating, “The children get loads out of it, they learn so much.” Furthermore, she emphasized the value of donating unused items: “If there is something that they’ve got that they’re not using any more… that they have grown out of, it’s really worthwhile to hand that on to somebody else,” she said. She further mentioned that the event educates students on the principles of reusing and recycling. “It’s a real opportunity for us to put that into action, and for the children to see that in action as well,” she concluded. Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.