NEEDY children around the world will have a brighter Christmas thanks to the annual “shoebox appeal” which sees gifts donated, packaged, and sent on their way from this country.

Holsworthy Methodist Church in Bodmin Street was once again a local collection point for the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child Appeal this November.  

There were several ways to get involved, including donating items for the shoeboxes, giving money to help with the costs of sending them, and packing a complete box. Various local groups and individuals packed boxes and brought them to the drop-off point in the Chapel Hall. A packing morning took place during one of the chapel’s weekly Wednesday coffee mornings, and by the end of that week almost 100 boxes were ready to be sent on their journey. 

“A big thank-you to everyone who kindly donated, and brought in filled boxes, or helped in any other way,” said Michelle Hogarth, Bude and Holsworthy Methodist Circuit lay pastoral worker.  “Each box is ready to bring a smile to a child this Christmas.”