Ardwyn’s Operation Christmas Child

 

 

The project, which is run by the international relief and development charity Samaritan’s Purse, encourages gifts to be sent to children around the world who live in poverty stricken and war torn areas. The playgroup has collected around 15 boxes so far to be dispatched abroad in time for Christmas.
 

“We wanted to get involved with Operation Christmas Child because at the time, our theme in the playgroup was ‘Ourselves’,” explained Playgroup manager Jane Howells. “To us, the project is important because apart from benefiting the children who receive the gifts, it helps our children to think of others in other parts of the world. It definitely encourages children to be more thoughtful.”

 

The scheme, which began in 1990, involves each child filling a shoe box full of Christmas presents which is then sent to children aged from 2-14 years old. Items packed into the shoe boxes include toys, stationary, clothes and sweets. The shoeboxes are then sent all over the world.

 

The project is the world’s largest children’s Christmas appeal with over one million gifts sent abroad every year from the UK alone. A large amount of last year’s boxes were distributed in Haiti to help families rebuild after the earthquake in January.

 

“We will definitely take part next year as well,” Mrs Howells added: “It’s always worth doing even if you only get half a dozen done. It is still children who will receive something this Christmas who wouldn’t have otherwise.”

 
If you are interested in taking part in Operation Christmas Child, visit the Samaritans Purse website at www.samaritans-purse.org.uk