ESSEX: Operation Christmas Child launches

By nking

AN awe-inspiring charity has launched its 2008 campaign in Essex, aiming to distribute more than one million shoeboxes full of Christmas cheer to disadvantaged children around the world.

Operation Christmas Child, now in its 19th year, provides a heart-warming service to some of the world's poorest children, collecting gift-filled shoeboxes from UK donors and taking them to young people in Eastern Europe and Africa at Christmas.

The remarkable group, which last year delivered 1.3 million shoeboxes, launched this year's effort this week, and hope the generous people of Essex will again help them bring happiness to children across the globe.

Regional manager Sheila Heaton said: "Schools, community groups, churches, businesses and individuals across Essex took part last year and donated a total of 55,800 shoeboxes full of presents, which meant so much to the children who received them – they were thrilled. Our aim is to keep this terrific effort going in 2008."

Philanthropic groups throughout the county took part and the gift-filled boxes were checked at the charity's warehouses in Chelmsford, Harlow, Maldon and Sudbury before being transported to Belarus, Kosova, Mozambique, Romania and Serbia.

Mrs Heaton added: "Operation Christmas Child involves so many people in what is a really uplifting experience, choosing simple gifts or making items like knitted hats or gloves to put in a shoebox.

"Others get a real buzz from helping us collect the shoeboxes, checking them in our local warehouses and loading the lorries. At the distribution end, the sparkle in the children's eyes tells us the effort and kindness of everyone is certainly appreciated.

"In Eastern Europe we take shoeboxes to children who are living in orphanages, street shelters, rehabilitation centres and in hospitals. In Africa we meet children living in real poverty, sometimes the refugees of war, often struggling to get basic needs such as drinkable water.

"A shoebox lights up their lives and the joy is clear to see, as is the appreciation that someone has taken the time to think of them and pack the gifts for them."

Anyone wishing to participate in the Operation Christmas Child 2008 appeal should visit www.operationchristmaschild .org.uk or contact 0870 011 2002. Shoeboxes must be ready by November 18 at the latest.