Samaritan's Purse

Operation Christmas Child is  the world's largest childrens's Christmas appeal with a heritage of over 19 years.  Shoe boxes are packed with gifts, toys, educational supplies, clothing, and hygiene items and are sent from the UK to children in hospitals, orphanages, Internally Displaced Persons camps, homeless shelters and improverished neighbourhoods. In 2008 1.2 million shoe boxes were sent from the UK to children in parts of Africa, Central Asia and Eastern Europe.

It may be small but the gifts in a shoe box can change a child's life. For some of the world's most disadvantaged children, the shoe box could be the first Christmas present they have ever received in their lives. All shoe boxes are given to children in need, with no regard to their background or beliefs. They are delivered with integrity and with respect to the local culture. Where culturally appropriate, a booklet will be available of Bible stories, which gives a message of hope and an explanation of the true meaning of Christmas - God's gift of His Son, Jesus.

In November 2010 Merrow Methodist Church sent 127 shoeboxes to children in the Crimea.

Go to our Links page to gain immediate access to Operation Christmas Child website.