Pre-schoolers from Maggie’s Montessori enjoyed taking part in the Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal, an annual campaign that delivers gifts straight into the hands of children affected by poverty.

In preparation to take part, the children’s awareness of giving rather than receiving became an exciting activity.

"This was a perfect opportunity to promote an understanding for the concepts of charity, sharing and being kind," Mags O'Sullivan from Maggie's Montessori told the Killarney Advertiser.

"As the children themselves got involved in building their own shoeboxes along with their families, a sense of teamwork and fun was apparent. They each chose gifts from the 4W’s items list - Write, Wash, Wear and Wow. Filling the shoeboxes for a boy or girl similar to their own age proved a thoroughly enjoyable experience and it is hoped that this tradition will be continued each year."