Kaitoke School's junior students are learning the value of giving.
Last night the students donated dozens of "shoeboxes" full of Christmas presents to an organisation that gives gifts to children who do not have much to look forward to at Christmas.
Teacher Liza Ciora said the students, from new entrance to Year 4, had recently been studying the concept of community. "We've been looking at community, and how we can help people in our community," Miss Ciora said.
She said it was the children' idea to donate gifts to needy children. Then she found Operation Shoebox Wanganui on Facebook.
The organisation's Facebook page description says: "We are looking for people who would be willing to fill a shoebox with small gifts or necessities (maybe even vouchers) so that on Christmas morning kids who may not get a lot else will have something to open."
The page has nearly 300 "likes".
Last night the students and their families enjoyed a pot-luck dinner in the school hall and representatives from Operation Shoebox Wanganui came along to meet with the children and collect the presents - not all of which were in shoeboxes.
"I think the children really enjoyed learning about ways in which they can help others," Miss Ciora said.
The other community project the students have been doing this term is planting at Bason Botanic Gardens.