Boxes will need to be in by the end of half term [29th October] so start filling them now! Labels are available at the back of the church.
The boxes go to desperately needy children who will have no Christmas this year unless you help.
Since 1990, Operation Christmas Child worldwide has brought the joy of Christmas to more than 47 million boys and girls. Last year Samaritan’s Purse in the UK sent out over 1.18 million gifts to children across Eastern Europe and Africa.
Each year this project attracts tens of thousands of people across the country. Individuals, schools, churches, businesses, and other organisations work together to fill ordinary shoe boxes with small toys, school supplies, sweets, and other gifts for children around the world.
Last year Operation Christmas Child sent gift-filled shoe boxes to more than 1.18 million children in desperate situations in 13 different countries. They live in orphanages, hospitals, refugee camps, homeless shelters, old railway carriages, in underground sewers, and in impoverished neighbourhoods.
The gifts are given regardless of nationality, political background or religious beliefs to children. Nothing is required of them, their families or communities in return.
Age ranges are 2-4, 5-9, 10-14 and you must specify Boy or Girl. The list of donts is almost as long as the dos
Don’t include
* Chocolate, crisps, biscuits or any sweets with a sell-by date before March 2006 * War-related items eg toy guns, knives, soldiers
* Clothing other than hats, caps, gloves and scarves
* Anything that might break in transit
* Liquids of any kind i.e blow bubbles, shampoo, bubble bath, toiletry sets, aerosols * Marbles or sharp objects
* Anything of a political, racial or religious nature
* Medicines
* Books with words
The organisers suggest a Christmas Card with a picture of yourself / your family might be included.
If you would like to volunteer some time during November or December to work in a warehouse that sorts and send OCC shoe boxes, please visit: www.samaritanspurse.uk.com for further details.
Operation Christmas Child : Shoeboxes