Operation Christmas Child to Reach Millions of Poverty-Stricken Children

A project providing relief to children in war-torn, poverty-stricken countries during Christmas is preparing to be launched.

Operation Christmas Child, a Christian relief project, is launching its appeal in Bromley urging residents to deliver gift-filled shoeboxes for needy children in Eastern Europe and Africa.

Last year, the UK sent more than 1.1 million shoeboxes to children, with 2,000 of them coming from the borough of Bromley. This year, communities are being challenged to beat the total number.

The appeal's regional manager Gordon McCann said: "We are very proud of the tremendous level of contribution that Bromley communities have made over the last few years and we need to keep this great effort going because, sadly, there are many places where children are suffering from natural disasters, war and poverty. Far too many children - and their families - are left with nothing through no fault of their own, and the simple act of giving the kids a few gifts in a shoebox has a very positive impact on them and their family."

"It is impossible to over-emphasise the impact that a shoebox full of simple gifts can have on a child who has nothing - and their family."

Since 1990, Operation Christmas Child has brought the joy of Christmas to more than 47 million boys and girls. This annual project enables caring individuals, families, schools, churches, businesses, and other organisations to fill ordinary shoe boxes with small toys, school supplies, sweets, and other gifts for hurting children around the world.

For more information, or to participate in the Operation Christmas Child 2006 appeal, go to www.samaritanspurse.uk.com.