FOR THE past 17 years Kesh woman Irene Boyd has been involved in collecting gift filled shoe boxes for disadvantaged children across the world.
Irene is the district co-ordinator for the Samaritan’s Purse charity and this year, as with the past 17, Irene is asking for people right across the county to take part in their ‘Operation Christmas Child’ appeal to help make a special Christmas for needy children right across the world.
Samaritan’s Purse is appealing to everyone across Fermanagh to join others in their community and help bring joy and hope to one million children as part of this year’s Operation Christmas Child appeal.
Over the past 23 years, globally, through Operation Christmas Child, Samaritan’s Purse has delivered over 100 million gift-filled shoeboxes to disadvantaged children in over 100 countries.
“Christmas is almost upon us and we urgently need people across the county to work with us to help us reach our target of delivering one million shoeboxes from the UK this year,” said Irene Boyd.
Local schools and churches have already been contacted by Irene would appeal to anyone else who would like to do something nice for Christmas to get in touch with her.
“All sorts of different people get in touch about the appeal. Some will already have their boxes done” explains Irene.
Filled shoeboxes can go to any one of fifteen different countries but this year Irene said the Fermanagh filled shoe boxes are bound for Belarus.
“We know in July where the boxes will be going, and each year we hope to send between 6,000 and 7,000 from this area.”
Irene explains that the shoe boxes should be filled with gifts ‘that children will enjoy’ and the boxes can be for kids within three age groups: 2-4, 5-9 and 10-14 years.
“We ask people to decide the age (and sex) of child and then buy accordingly – say for a three year old boy, or a seven year old girl, for instance.”
As well as toys other suitable gifts include notebooks and things they can use during their education.
With each shoebox the donor is asked to include £3 cash – the cost of shipping the shoe box.
Filled shoe boxes can then be left into ‘Shoe Zone’ shops in Enniskillen or Omagh.
“Don’t wrap the gifts or seal the box but wrap the top and bottom of the shoe box and put an elastic band around it.
“Getting involved in Operation Christmas Child, wrapping and packing shoeboxes can be such fun and is always hugely rewarding. Every year we see people organising their work colleagues, teachers working with parents and pupils and churches inviting their communities to get involved.
“It can also be hard work, so while we are grateful for our existing teams of volunteers, we are always looking for more, to help at our warehouses. It is hugely rewarding, if only because a small investment of time will bring smiles to the faces of so many children overseas this Christmas.
For more information contact Irene Boyd on 028 6863 1009
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