Operation Christmas Child 1st-18th November

veruccasalt

I think this is a Grabbit-I know there are some threads about this, such as Special Occasions, but deadline is fasy approaching.

For everyone that knows about this humbling work, the deadline to fill your shoe box and deliver it to your collection point is 18th November, although some organisations such as local schools may be sooner.

For those that dont know about this scheme, basically, you wrap a shoe box and fill it with items suggested by the organisers (The Samaritans). These shoeboxes are then distributed around the world to children who would otherwise receive nothing on Christmas Day.

More details can be found here:

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/

Its a very powerful thing to do, and certainly makes me and my children feel humble about all we have. It also allows for a little reflection on Christmas Day, when here we are surrounded by mountains of gifts and torn paper to wonder where our little shoe box ended up and to hope it brings joy to a needy child.

Puts most of our problems in to perspective.

*Sharon*_3

My son took his shoebox back to school yesterday, he loves filling it each year

snoony2

here's a link to the shoebox appeal thread

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?p=7762583

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1055149


We love doing these too - my children have so much in comparison to the children who receive the boxes. For me, the thought of the joy it will bring to a child that has very little makes it well worth the small amount of time and money it takes to put a box together.

I know someone who is involved with the charity and she said it's heart breaking as there are never enough boxes to go round.

Ianna

I think shoebox appeals are great but I would NOT recommend anything with the Samaritans purse. More info on them here. Instead I do shoeboxes for link romania and local toy appeals (google "toy appeal *your home town*" and you'll soon find one close to you).

angie_baby

Im doing a couple for Link Romania too this year too.

Link Romania do seem to be the best that ive seen so far.

Angie

shadej

I am registered with Link Romania. If anyone rear Ilford in London/Essex has any boxes I would be happy to collect as I know there are only 3 in london collecting and all are based south of the river. I am not on there site but if you pm me I can give you my real name and address and you can call them to confirm that I have registered and booked a collection slot for 23rd Nov.

YOUNGE1

Great Thing to do. My daughter's GB did it this year. The kids' school also does a local version mainly with food, sweets and small presents.

It makes you feel really good and humble at the same time. It makes you realise just how much you have.

Really puts things in perspective.

jellymid

:T Thanks for the link Ianna. My children used to love doing the shoeboxes until I became aware of the issues with Samaritans Purse (not the Samaritans, note). There is a collector in my area and I'll get going on boxes with the children this weekend.

lawlorlane

Ianna wrote: »

I think shoebox appeals are great but I would NOT recommend anything with the Samaritans purse. More info on them here. Instead I do shoeboxes for link romania and local toy appeals (google "toy appeal *your home town*" and you'll soon find one close to you).

We did the Samaritans one last year with my sons school but having read the 'link romania' link you posted I have decided to do that one this year. I was left wondering last year about the many mums, dads and grandparents from these poorer families last year and wanted to give something for all to enjoy and use. Link Romania seems the best option for this. Thanks for the post!!!

moneysavingmumofone

Oh pants i forgot they had to be in so early.:eek: I think ill only manage to do 2 or 3, wanted to do at least 6 but finances wont allow.

^!£$&

I'm doing mine at the moment But I am sticking with Samaritans purse as thats who I've done it for, for over 5 years and as a Christian I personally dont have a problem with them!