Clwyd West AM Darren Millar has praised volunteers and staff involved in Operation Christmas Child after visiting the charity’s depot this week.
Operation Christmas Child is an initiative of Samaritan’s Purse UK, a Christian relief and development charity working amongst communities in need across Africa, Eastern Europe and Central Asia. It sends millions of shoeboxes full of gifts to youngsters across the globe each year from its Wrexham depot, where it was founded. This year it is celebrating its 25th anniversary.
On Monday Darren called at the Wrexham depot to meet those involved in the initiative.
He said:
“Operation Christmas Child is a wonderful initiative as not only does it show children who are displaced, in poverty or experiencing disaster, famine or war that we care about them and pray for them, it also teaches children in this country the importance of giving to those a lot less fortunate than themselves.
“This year’s efforts will see shoeboxes sent to more than 100 countries including Serbia, Macedonia and northern Iraq, where there are nearly four million refugees.
“It was great to meet with all the staff and volunteers involved during my visit to the depot, there is a lot of work involved in getting these boxes out and they are all doing a tremendous job.
“Even a small shoebox can have a big impact and I would encourage all those who haven’t already filled a box with goodies to do so before the November 18th deadline.”
Drop off points for shoeboxes in Conwy and Denbighshire are as follows:
Yeomans Outdoor Leisure Store (Rhyl)
Rhyl Granite, 64 High Street Rhyl LL18 1TW
Time: Normal hours but phone if in doubt 01387 247428
Shoe Zone
29 High Street, Rhyl Denbighshire LL18 1EN
Time:9.00-5.30 Mon-Sat. 11.00-4.00 Sun
Shoe Zone
Unit 12 Bay View Centre, Colwyn Bay Conwy LL29 8DG
Time:9.00-5.30 Mon-Sat, 11.00-3.00 Sun
Shoe Zone
67 Mostyn Street, Llandudno Gwynedd LL30 2NN
Time:9.00-5.30 Mon-Sat, 11.00-4.00 Sun
Yeomans Outdoor Leisure Store (Llandudno)
Llandudno Snowdonia Adventure 46 Mostyn Street, The Victoria Centre Llandudno LL30 2RP
Time:Normal hours but phone if in doubt 01387 247428
The Patchwork Traditional Food Company
The Patchwork Traditional Food Company Llys Parcwr RUTHIN Denbighshire LL15 1NJ
Time:10am-5pm Monday-Saturday.
Picture caption: Clwyd West AM Darren Millar with volunteers and Operation Christmas Child staff.