Developer’s offices filled with shoeboxes ... and all to give Santa a helping hand
AN INITIATIVE aimed at giving every child a Christmas present has been successful for another year.
Wokingham residents were invited to fill a shoebox with goodies for the annual Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child appeal.
In all, nearly 300 boxes were donated, of which 99 were delivered to Ashridge Grange, off Warren House Road.
Each of the boxes contains gifts that youngsters will enjoy, including pens and notepads, clothing and toys.
These donations have now been packed up and delivered to volunteers at Samaritan’s Purse, to be distributed across the world to vulnerable children.
Globally, shoebox gifts will be sent to more than 100 countries.
Alex Dowling, head of sales and marketing at David Wilson Southern Counties, said: “We would like to thank the local community for their continued generosity towards this initiative, with every shoebox gift putting a smile on the face of a child this Christmas.
“Over the winter period, we remain committed to helping those both nearby to our developments, as well as further afield, and look forward to working with a range of organisations to offer support where needed.”
Nick Cole, director of Operation Christmas Child UK, said: “The holiday season is a time for giving, and we are grateful to all those who have donated a shoebox gift this season as they will undoubtedly make a difference in the lives of children who will not have the privilege of celebrating Christmas with gifts.
“We would like to share our gratitude with organisations like David Wilson Southern Counties who have opened their doors as drop-off points this year, with 4,500 sites joining our cause and helping bring great joy to many children in this 30th year of the project.”
■ For further details on Operation Christmas Child, log on to: samaritans-purse. org.uk/what-we-do/operationchristmas-child