Shoebox appeal underway for Christmas Child charity

Oct 2 2008 by Shirley Bartynek, Hamilton Advertiser

A CHILDREN’S charity are launched their 2008 campaign in North Lanarkshire this week.

Operation Christmas Child are said to have one of the most remarkable annual charity programmes in the UK. It is now in its 19th year. The charity collect gift-filled shoeboxes to distribute to needy children in Eastern Europe and Africa at Christmas.

Last year Operation Christmas Child delivered 1.3m shoeboxes from the UK.

Operation Christmas Child regional manager Chris Thomson said: “Many schools, community organisations, churches, businesses and individuals throughout North Lanarkshire took part last year and donated a total of 4100 shoeboxes full of presents, which meant so much to the children who received them – they were thrilled.

“Our aim is to keep this effort going in 2008.”

Anyone wishing to participate in the Operation Christmas Child 2008 appeal should visit www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk or contact the helpline on 0870 011 2002.