A receptionist at a leading Shrewsbury company, who began supporting Operation Christmas Child 15 years ago, is appealing for donations of “love on a box”.
ean Courtney, the friendly voice of caravan dealership Salop Leisure in Shrewsbury for 39 years, has already received more than 100 shoeboxes packed with Christmas gifts for children living in extreme poverty.
She’s hoping to beat last year’s total of 400 before the November 26 deadline so that disadvantaged children in war-torn countries across the world receive their “love in a box” in time for Christmas.
A new supporter is knitting hats and gloves to add to the boxes and Jean says the generosity of people across Shropshire and Mid Wales never ceases to amaze her. She receives shoeboxes in Christmas wrappings from customers, staff, friends, caravan park owners, schools, churches, women’s clubs and many individual donors.
“Every year, the response is unbelievable and shoeboxes are packed with beautiful gifts and a lot of love,” said Jean. “The people of Shropshire and Mid Wales have very big hearts and my heartfelt thanks go out to each and every one of them.”
Operation Christmas Child, which is run by Christian relief and development organisation Samaritan’s Purse, aims to show that children in need have not been forgotten during the festive season.
