A GROUP of local opticians are spreading festive cheer early this year by calling on their local communities to donate to the Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Appeal.
From now until November 10, the locally owned and run Specsavers stores in Kidderminster, Kidderminster Sainsbury’s, Stourport and Droitwich will act as collection points for shoebox donations filled with small gifts and essentials.
Each box will be distributed to children living in difficult circumstances across the globe, helping spread hope and happiness this Christmas.
Local residents are urged to take part by filling a shoebox with items such as toys, school supplies, hygiene products, and accessories.
Emma Singh, store director at the Specsavers stores, said Operation Christmas Child was a wonderful scheme which brought smiles to children who might otherwise go without at Christmas.
“It’s such a simple and meaningful way for our community to make a difference – one shoebox at a time.”
She urged everyone to get involved to help fill as many boxes as possible before the collection ended.
Operation Christmas Child, organised by Samaritan’s Purse, is an international relief project which has delivered more than 220million shoebox gifts to children in over 170 countries since 1990.
Each gift-filled box is a tangible expression of care, bringing joy and hope to children facing poverty, conflict or hardship.
Donations can be dropped off at Specsavers at The Swan Centre in Kidderminster, Sainsburys, Carpet Trades Way, and at the opticians on the High Street, Stourport-on-Severn.
Visit: samaritans-purse.org.uk/occ for more on the scheme and how to fill a shoebox for a very good cause.
