Operation Christmas Child

OPERATION Christmas Child, one of the UK's leading annual children's charity projects, is seeking support from people in County Antrim as it marks the 20th anniversary of its famous 'shoebox' campaign. The 2010 campaign is launched this week and runs until 18th November.
By The Newsroom
Published 27th Sep 2010, 16:50 BST
Updated 11th Oct 2010, 20:34 BST

“When the first gift-filled shoeboxes were delivered in 1990 to children living in terrible conditions in Romanian orphanages in the aftermath of the collapse of the Ceausescu regime, no-one really thought the campaign would still be going 20 years on,” comments Irene Johnston, District Coordinator of Operation Christmas Child.

“However, it really caught people’s imagination and the campaign has grown to help vulnerable children in a wide range of countries. Sadly, many tens of thousands of children are living in very challenging situations today, and the kindness of those who donate a gift-filled shoebox is every bit as important now as it was in 1990.”

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In 2009, over 17,100 shoeboxes full of presents were given by individuals and groups in County Antrim, including contributions from Ahoghill, Antrim, Ballymena, Ballymoney, Bushmills, Cloughmills, Crumlin, Cushendall, Glenavy, Larne, Lisburn, Portrush, Randalstown, Rasharkin and Templepatrick. The gift-filled shoeboxes were checked at the charity’s processing centres in Ballymena, Belfast, Lisburn and Randalstown before being transported to Romania and Swaziland.

Anyone wishing to participate in this year’s Operation Christmas Child campaign should visit www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk or contact the Helpline on 0870 011 2002.

The guidelines suggest what to put in a shoebox, how to pack it, and where to send it for collection and onward transportation. A 2.50 contribution is requested towards promotion, processing, UK transportation and shipping and shoeboxes should be ready by November 18th at the latest.

Related topics:BallymenaBushmills