Many churches, schools, organisations and individuals in Retford and the surrounding villages have taken part in Operation Christmas Child over the years, with Collection Points helping with the setting up and collecting of the shoe boxes.
Once again everyone is invited to be part of this international scheme, using the power of a simple gift to meet the critical needs of victims of war, poverty, famine, disease and natural disasters this year. Amidst difficult times, your shoebox gifts could bring children a much-needed moment of joy and a lasting reminder that they are loved by God and not forgotten.
This year Samaritan’s Purse has committed to sending two thirds of all boxes received to Ukraine or neighbouring countries, like Moldova and Romania, that are hosting many Ukrainian refugee families. You can find more details of the campaign at www.samaritans-purse.org.uk.
There are leaflets advising how to pack the shoe box and posters (A4 or A3) for advertising donation dates. There are also plenty of pre-printed flat pack boxes for sale at The Well, on Hospital Road in Retford, at 50p. If you need any more information or would like to request someone to visit your organisation to share information about the campaign, contact details are below.
Before packing a shoe box, please read the leaflet and note any changes that have been made. It’s really important that everyone packing a box keeps to what is allowed, so that your box goes as a gift from your hands to that of the child who receives it.
Last year, with your help, The Well was able to send over 820 shoeboxes and this year they will be acting as a Collection Point on Thursday 17th, Friday 18th and Monday 21st November from 9.30am to 4.30pm, and will be open on Sunday 20th from 10.00am to 1.00pm at The Well, Retford Baptist Church, Hospital Road, DN22 7BD.
For more information, leaflets, posters or boxes please contact Carol on 07808 800084 / cfhome68@gmail.com or Jean on 07986 690032 / jean.coulson@btinternet.com.
Alternatively, contact the church office on 01777 702344 if you require boxes or leaflets to check someone is on duty.
The Well is looking forward to partnering with many of you over the coming weeks.