Gift shoeboxes evolve into local tradition

BREWSTER – Several years ago Brewster high School teacher and varsity boys’ soccer coach Jenner Sanon became involved in a project to send shoe boxes with gifts to youngsters in foreign countries.
“I thought we could do the same thing here in our back yard,” said Sanon. “There are many kids who may not have any presents for Christmas.”
Sanon shared his idea with Brewster school students and members of the World Language Club. That first year the group filled more than 150 shoe boxes and delivered them to children in Brewster and the surrounding area. Since then the tradition has continued and grown.
“This year was like all the others, the staff and community were very generous,” said Sanon. “The boxes are put together according to ages; then we deliver them to homes of those families that can benefit most from them.”
Sanon noted that while there were more kids in need than boxes to distribute “it has been a very positive experience for our students and for the families that receive the boxes.”