West Norfolk church launches Shoebox Appeal
St Nicholas Church in Dersingham launched its Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Appeal for 2023 last Sunday, urging locals to get involved.
The appeal was officially launched during the morning services by organiser,
Alan Crawshaw who provided a demonstration of packing a shoe box explaining what can and can’t be used.
“We’ve been doing Shoeboxes for 10 years or more. Our congregation, families, plus older people, prepare boxes, alongside Dersingham Guides and Rainbows. Lynne Wheeler who runs Rainbows is a key member of our congregation,” said Alan.
“We publicise in our church magazine, in the Post Office, in the Co-op, and at the Shoeshop, who provide empty shoeboxes for those who want them.”
Operation Christmas Child (OCC) has been collecting and delivering shoebox gifts—filled with school supplies, hygiene items and fun toys—to children worldwide for three decades. Since 1990, the project has collected and delivered more than 200 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 160 countries and territories. Last year alone Samaritan’s Purse UK was able to gift 252,000 shoeboxes to needy children around the world.
“It’s really worthwhile, sharing some of God’s love to a child. I enjoy it myself, buying the stuff, and sometimes I get asked to do boxes for people who can’t get to the shops easily, they give me enough money to do it for them,” said Alan.
Boxes and leaflets are available at the back of the church at St Nicholas Church, Dersingham.
Collection point for completed boxes: Thornalleys Undertakers, Dersingham by Sunday November 19
stnicholasdersingham.org.uk