Magazine for November 2009
Operation Christmas Child
Operation Christmas Child is the UK’s largest children’s Christmas appeal and has been running for over 19 years. Thanks to a huge army of volunteers who give their time to help make this Christmas ‘miracle’ come to life, gift-filled shoeboxes are distributed to children in Africa, Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
Last year well over one million shoeboxes packed full of gifts and goodies were wrapped and packed by children and adults in the UK, and sent to children in disadvantaged situations.
| Boxes distributed in 2008 | |||
| Armenia | 13,920 | Liberia | 32,823 |
| Azerbaijan | 9,301 | Montenegro | 22,139 |
| Belarus | 198,141 | Mozambique | 7,669 |
| Bosnia | 78,055 | Romania | 217,177 |
| Kosova | 65,117 | Serbia | 196,005 |
| Kyrgyzstan | 87,536 | Swaziland | 46,050 |
| Ukraine | 56,287 | ||
|
TOTAL 1,230,220 |
|||
All the shoeboxes are delivered by hand. This simple gift reminds a child in need that God loves them and they have not been forgotten.
The shoeboxes are given to children regardless of their background or beliefs. Where it’s appropriate a booklet of Bible stories, including the original Christmas story – the birth of Jesus – is included.
To be part of this exciting campaign, to show God’s love to a child in need this Christmas. and for guidelines regarding what to put in your box, contact Diana Griffiths on 422310.