Hard to believe, but it’s that time of year again! Christmas is a few months away and I sincerely hope that the Isle of Man community will once again support this worthy cause.
Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Appeal is an international project run by the Samaritan’s Purse. Brightly wrapped Shoeboxes filled with small toys and gifts are sent to under-privileged children around the world. The aim is to bring a little joy into the lives of these children who would normally receive very little, if anything at all, at Christmas. Shoeboxes from the UK are sent to countries in Eastern Europe, Africa and Central Asia. Last year the 2,600 shoeboxes from the Isle of Man were sent to the Ukraine.
It is recognised that Charities tend to suffer when the economic climate is depressed and the demand for the limited funds available grows. I appreciate that all of us have needed to economise recently, however, I appeal to everyone to support this project in whatever way you can. It may not be possible for one person alone to fill a shoebox; however we would be very grateful to receive any donations of small toys, games, stationery, hats, scarves and toiletries. These items will be packed by our team of volunteers.
Drop off points for filled shoe boxes or to pick up leaflets:
Ramsey: St Paul’s Bookshop;
Laxey: Laxey Group Practice;
Onchan: Village Walk Group Practice;
Douglas: Shoe Zone,
Family Library, Noble’s Hall;
Marown: Marown Church;
Port Erin: Manton’s Toy Shop,
Southern Group Practice;
Peel: Western Swimming Pool;
The Special Shoebox Train will be departing from Port Erin at 1:00pm and arriving at Douglas at 2.45pm on 6 November, stopping at all the stations along the route. Children who would like to hand their boxes to Santa personally should be at their station in good time.
If you have any questions or require any assistance with in this regard, please do not hesitate to contact Marlene Akitt by telephone 834956, mobile 452679 or email marlene@akitt.com.
I do hope that you will feel inspired to make a difference to the life of at least one child and I look forward to hearing from you!
