It may be only September but kind-hearted Shropshire and Mid Wales people are already turning their thoughts to Christmas and disadvantaged children in some of the poorest parts of the world.
Jean Courtney, receptionist at leading caravan dealership Salop Leisure in Shrewsbury, has already received around 40 shoeboxes packed with gifts for Operation Christmas Child. The annual appeal is also supported by the company’s sales centres in Stourport and Machynlleth.
It’s the 13th year in a row that Jean has organised the appeal for the company to send “love in a box” at Christmas to children living in extreme poverty. She is hoping to beat last year’s record of 500 boxes collected.
She was originally prompted to support the appeal after seeing harrowing television news pictures of suffering children in Eastern Europe. Her prime motivation is to put a smile on children’s faces at Christmas and to let them know that they are not forgotten.
She praised the loyal support of customers, staff, friends, caravan park owners, schools, churches, clubs and many individuals across Shropshire and Mid Wales. “The generosity of people never ceases to amaze me,” said Jean. “Our sales centres in Stourport and Machynlleth act as local collection centres.”
Operation Christmas Child, which is run by Christian relief and development organisation Samaritan’s Purse, aims to show that disadvantaged children have not been forgotten.
The shoeboxes can contain toys, educational supplies, such as pencils and notepads, small hygiene items, such as a toothbrush or a comb, and small things to wear, including gloves, scarf or jewellery.
Jean can be contacted at Salop Leisure, Emstrey, Shrewsbury on Tel: 01743 282400.
