ONE of the UK’s top children’s charities has launched its 2008 campaign in Wrexham.
Operation Christmas Child is an annual charity – now in its 19th year – which collects gift-filled shoeboxes to distribute to needy children in Eastern Europe and Africa.
Last year Operation Christmas Child delivered 1.3 million shoeboxes.
Operation Christmas Child regional manager, Ian Taylor, said: “Many schools, community organisations, churches, businesses and individuals throughout Wrexham took part last year and donated 3,500 shoeboxes full of presents. Our aim is to keep this terrific effort going in 2008.
“Operation Christmas Child is important as it ‘crouches down’ to the level of the children, often giving them significance for the first time. It reminds them someone is thinking of them at Christmas and has taken time to choose presents for them.
“It’s very much a personal gift, going from someone here in the UK to a child who really values what he or she receives.
“Any school, church, company, organisation or individual that wants to take part can contact Operation Christmas Child via our website or Helpline and they will receive a simple set of instructions.
“The guidelines suggest what to put in a shoebox, how to pack it, and where to send it for collection and onward transportation. All we ask is for a £2.50 contribution toward promotion, transport, processing and distribution, and that the shoeboxes be ready by November 18.”
Anyone wishing to participate in the Operation Christmas Child 2008 appeal can visit www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk or contact the Helpline on 0870 011 2002.
