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Operation Christmas Child thank Norfolk donors

SamaritanPurseSwaziland450Samaritan’s Purse is thanking the generosity of all those in Norfolk who contributed to the 900,000 gift-filled shoeboxes donated in the UK for needy children around the world as part of the 2013 Operation Christmas Child appeal.

Samaritan’s Purse is pleased to report that, of almost 10 million gift-filled shoeboxes shipped to needy children around the world through Operation Christmas Child, well over 900,000 shoeboxes were donated by individuals, groups, churches, schools and workplaces in the UK.

Samaritan’s Purse wants to express its gratitude to the many children and adults who donated shoeboxes, and affirm the contribution made by volunteers and supporting organisations across Norfolk who made it possible.

Chris Roberts, Samaritan’s Purse Regional Manager for Norfolk said: “We’re so thankful for the amazing generosity of people in Norfolk.  We can only imagine the joy a child feels when they receive a shoebox, packed with gifts, from someone they don’t know, but someone who cared enough for them and showed them that they are not forgotten at Christmas”.

This year, for the first time, gift-filled shoeboxes were sent from donors in the UK to children in Rwanda.  In April 2014, Rwanda will mark the 20th anniversary of the genocide that saw almost one million people killed in 100 days.

Samaritan’s Purse UK Executive Director Simon Barrington explains: “This complements the ongoing programmes that we have in Rwanda to lift vulnerable children and families out of poverty.

“Over the past 23 years, Operation Christmas Child has sent more than 113 million boxes to children in over 130 countries.  The demand is huge and is increasing, year to year.  I want to encourage more people in Norfolk to get involved with this amazing programme, so that we can reach even more children with shoeboxes packed with gifts.”

To find out more go to www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk


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