Kevin’s heartfelt Christmas gift

Christmas message: Kevin Kociu with some of the shoeboxes collected at Hathershaw College

A PUPIL who filled a shoebox with gifts for needy children included a touching letter - because he knows only too well how his gift would be received.

Hathershaw College student Kevin Kociu penned the heartfelt message because he himself once received a shoebox with gifts, as a youngster in his native Albania.

Pupils and staff from Hathershaw College are among many across Oldham who have taken part in Operation Christmas Child. The annual appeal asks donors to fill shoeboxes with Christmas gifts for children living in poverty around the world.

Kevin, whose family came to the UK in search of a better life, packed his box with a book, a Manchester United keying, a scarf and gloves and a pen – one of 210 boxes from the school.

His letter to the youngster who receives his gift reads: “Hi, my name is Kevin. I am 14 years old. I’m from Albania, but now living in the UK. When I was in year six, German people sent some shoeboxes to Albania, and inside the boxes were presents sent to my school.

“Everybody in school got a shoebox. When I opened mine, I felt very excited and started to cry. Inside were socks, books, a pencil, a game card, toys and lots of things.

“I want to say we are all the same and it doesn’t matter what religion you are.

“I hope you have as much enjoyment when you open your box, just like me when I received mine. Good luck.”