Christmas Shoe Boxes
Thursday 24th October 2019
Dear Parents
This year, through a campaign called Operation Christmas Child, run by the UK charity Samaritan’s Purse, our school is joining with thousands of other schools up and down the country in wrapping, packing and sending shoeboxes full of gifts – things like tooth brushes and soap, hairbrushes, pens, pencils, something to write in, toys or games - to children around the world.
Through this campaign, we want to teach children here about generosity for others, and compassion, to make them aware of the fact that there are children elsewhere in the world who have nothing, and give them the opportunity to do something practical, yet so simple, that can make such a difference.
Samaritan’s Purse also wants to be clear about how they work:
‘We’re a Christian charity so it’s our Christian beliefs that motivate us to help the poor and needy. The shoebox gifts are distributed through local churches overseas who may invite children to join a discipleship course called The Greatest Journey. But participation is always with the consent of parents or guardians and shoeboxes are given unconditionally to children based on need, regardless of background or religious beliefs.
‘We hope that explaining these things will encourage you and your family to get involved. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people in this country, adults and children alike, regardless of whether they share our beliefs or not, join with Operation Christmas Child to express their compassion for those less fortunate than themselves, by giving an unconditional gift of love, at Christmas time.’
So please help us reach another million or so children with a shoebox gift that tells them that they are loved, and not forgotten this Christmas!”
Should you have any questions about Operation Christmas Child, or Samaritan’s Purse, please visit: www.samaritans-purse.org.uk
If you would like to take part, please follow the packing instructions, in the leaflet sent home yesterday, carefully and note that all shoeboxes must be received in school by Monday 11th November.
Thank you for your support!
Mr R Bothma
Head Teacher