Generous donation from Norwich Catholic mothers group 

A Union of Catholic Mothers (UCM) group in Norwich donated £1,250 to Samaritan's Purse, the charity that runs Operation Christmas Child, giving gifts and hope to children across the world.
 

Last year, Mark and Debra Watkins, volunteers for Samaritan's Purse in Norfolk, had been contacted by Marguerite from UCM to say that their group had a cheque for £1,250.00 for the charity. Mark and Debra attended the UCM meeting this month to offer thanks to the group and share about the ministry work of Samaritan's Purse. Mark asked how they had heard about OCC and was informed that the group had seen a good news article in the East Anglia Catholic Directory, from a shoebox collection at St George, Norwich, RC church last year. 

Mark and Debra, expressed to the group heartfelt affirmation for this most generous gift and shared about the impact this ministry has had for over 30 years. Debra said, ”Please do not underestimate the touch of God’s love on the precious lives of children who have received shoeboxes and how your donation went a long way to supporting this ministry to take Christian resources to those who distribute the shoeboxes in their own country.”

The UK sent 232,844 shoeboxes and the total number from the donor countries last year was 12,205,900. Mark said, "We hear and meet those whose lives have been changed by this simple act of love given in the name of Jesus.  Alongside this, we see the joy in schools; churches; clubs, and individuals across Norfolk and the UK, in being part of this ministry. We give thanks for all in Norfolk and UCM for such hearts to serve and live out their faith in action."

Anyone interested in finding out more about Operation Christmas Child for their church, school, group or business can contact Mark and Debra Watkins at markdebrawatkinsocc@yahoo.com. More information is also available at: www.samaritans-purse.org.uk 

Pictured above: Mark and Debra Watkins, volunteer Church and Community Relations team members with Samaritans Purse/ Operation Christmas Child (OCC) and the members of the UCM group at this RC church in Norwich.