Christmas shoebox project Operation Christmas Child is encouraging residents to continue packing shoeboxes to send to vulnerable children around the world. The national collection week in England for shoeboxes has been moved to 5th-14th December to coincide with the ending of the latest restrictions. In addition, residents can pack a tailored and personalised shoebox online.
Drop-off locations across the region will be open and ready to receive shoeboxes from Saturday 5th – Monday 14th December inclusive. Individuals can refer to the drop-off location finder, in order to find the most convenient location and their opening times. Operations Christmas Child is encouraging residents who have already been packed a shoebox or are underway to continue ready to drop off in December. For many children who will receive them, these shoebox gifts are the first gift they have ever received.
Director of Operation Christmas Child, Nick Cole says, “Through Operation Christmas Child, individuals can do the simple act of packing a shoebox and help contribute to the mental well-being of children in the most vulnerable communities. The national lockdown has meant a lot of charities and projects have had to adapt, and moving our National Collection Week to December means that we can ensure as many children as possible can be gifted a big smile and the knowledge that they are loved and special this year. If you are considering packing shoebox this year, whether physically or online, I would encourage you to go ahead and make a difference to a child’s life.”
Research released last week, conducted by Savanta ComRes and commissioned by Samaritan’s Purse, highlighted that 75 per cent of those surveyed believed that children needed to feel loved this Christmas more than ever due to the impact of COVID-19, and 79 per cent of UK adults agree that they believe all children should receive at least one present at Christmas despite their circumstances.
Cole continues, “While the pandemic endures, we must continue to remember the most vulnerable in society, whether they are in our local area or in tough circumstances around the world. My hope is that children across the globe will find joy this Christmas through the small offering of a Christmas Shoebox.”
Find out more about packing a Christmas Shoebox online here: http://www.shoeboxonline.org.uk/
