Box clever and help needy kids!

Oct 7 2008 by Jeff Holmes, Paisley Daily Express

BUDDIES can make a real difference this Christmas – by helping disadvantaged children in troublespots around the world.

Operation Christmas Child aims to deliver gift-filled shoeboxes to over a million needy kids in Eastern Europe and Africa.

Last year, a staggering total of 5,000 boxes – full of presents and goodies – were gathered for the appeal in Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire.

Groups and individuals in Paisley, Linwood, Kilbarchan, Johnstone, Houston, Elderslie, Renfrew, Bridge of Weir and Barrhead all took part.

The gift-filled boxes were checked at Operation Christmas Child’s warehouse in Glasgow before being transported to the likes of Belarus, Kosova, Kyrgyzstan and Mozambique.

And, with the appeal now in its 19th year, organisers are hoping for a bumper response again in 2008.

Chris Thomson, Operation Christmas Child regional manager, said: “Many schools, community organisations, churches, businesses and individuals throughout Renfrewshire took part in 2007 and their efforts were phenomenal.

“Our aim is to keep this terrific effort going in 2008 because It means the world to those on the receiving end. They are just thrilled that others are thinking of them.

“Operation Christmas Child is win-win, both for those involved here and the children in the distribution areas.

“In Renfrewshire, it involves so many people in what really is an 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 boxes, checking them in our local warehouses and loading the lorries. It is very much a team effort and involves folk of all ages.

“And, at the distribution end, the sparkle in the children’s eyes tells us all the effort and kindness of everyone involved is certainly appreciated.”

Chris said the youngsters who benefit from Operation Christmas Child are among the most needy in the world.

He added: “In Eastern Europe, we take shoeboxes to children who are living in orphanages, street shelters, rehabilitation centres and in hospitals, as well as wider communities faced by hardship, such as those still living with the repercussions of the Chernobyl disaster over 20 years on.

“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 to pack gifts for them.

“At Operation Christmas Child, we realise people here are facing a tightening economy but we can reassure those wondering about donating a shoebox that simple gifts go down a storm. Pencils, rulers, sharpeners, rubbers, a knitted hat, toy car, hairclips, a toothbrush, football cards, a colouring book or a hairbrush are all inexpensive gifts that bring much pleasure and can transform a withdrawn child into one joining in happily with others in sharing the gifts and laughter.”

Everyone can take part in Operation Christmas Child – including schools, churches, companies, organisations and individuals that simply want to make a difference.

To find out more, visit the website at www.operationchristmaschild.org.ukor call the helpline on 0870 011 2002.Chris said: “All we ask is for a £2.50 contribution towards promotion, transport, processing and distribution and that the shoeboxes be ready by November 18 at the latest.”or call the helpline on 0870 011 2002.

Chris said: “All we ask is for a £2.50 contribution towards promotion, transport, processing and distribution and that the shoeboxes be ready by November 18 at the latest.”