Goodstart Archer Street plays Santa for children who will spend Christmas in hospital

Children attending Goodstart Early Learning Arthur Street Shepparton are supporting those who will spend their Christmas in hospital, running a toy drive for those who will be in the GV Health children’s ward over the holidays. 

While many four year olds are looking forward to the gifts they will receive come Christmas, educators at the service believe it is important to deliver the lesson that giving can be just as good as getting. 

As well as supporting the children to think of others, the project also reinforces connections to community, and encourages children to think of themselves as active agents of change. 

Gifts have been given by parents attending the service, with members of the broader community also encouraged to visit the service and add gifts of their own. 

Children have been decorating the donation boxes, and placing and sorting presents. 

When speaking with local publication The Adviser GV Health Children’s Ward unit manager, Paula Holland, said the toys would be “much appreciated” as they hadn’t received any other Christmas donations.

“It’s a fantastic fundraiser because we always have kids in hospital over Christmas. Generally, only the ones who are really sick and need to be there are there,” she added.

Children who are in hospital over Christmas will receive a visit from Santa on Christmas Day, as well as a special gift. 

To read the original coverage of this story, please see here.