Operation Christmas Child

Want to make a child in need dance for joy? It's simple. Wrap, pack and send a shoebox overseas with Operation Christmas Child.

Last year, through Operation Christmas Child, over 1.2 million shoeboxes packed full of gifts and goodies were wrapped, packed and sent to children in disadvantaged situations by children and adults in the UK.

Your family, neighbourhood, school, church or community group can be part of this Christmas miracle in 2009 - discovering the power of a simple gift and reminding a child in need that God loves them and they have not been forgotten.

Ted Bird, area co-ordinator of Operation Christmas Child in Pembrokeshire, said: “The shoeboxes are going to be even more important this year because of the impact of the global recession.

“We are very aware of the effect of the downturn on families here at home, but there are many vulnerable children and orphans we are seeking to support in countries where difficult situations have been made even worse by the recession.

“A family here — or a group of friends or work colleagues — can share the joy of choosing gifts to send to boys or girls who will receive their shoeboxes. It really means something to these children.”

Operation Christmas Child — one of the UK’s largest annual children charity projects — will be accepting shoeboxes up until November 18th before starting transportation and then distribution, for which a £2.50 contribution is requested to help cover costs.

Visit the website www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk, click on ‘Where to take your boxes’ and enter your postcode; this will give the nearest drop-off point where people can take their shoeboxes.