'Shoebox' Campaign seeks Ballymena's continued support

Launched this week, the 2010 campaign runs until November 18.

“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,” said 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.”

In 2009, over 17,100 shoeboxes full of presents were given by individuals and groups in County Antrim, including contributions from Ahoghill, Ballymena, Cloughmills, Crumlin, 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.

“Operation Christmas Child is an initiative of Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian relief and development organisation, and because Christmas is a special time to help a child, we want to send as many shoeboxes as we can to help mark the 20th anniversary. I am sure many people in County Antrim will support our campaign in 2010.”

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.

They will receive a simple set of instructions explaining what to do.

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 18 at the latest.