Local Catholic Group Makes Generous Donation to Operation Christmas Child
In a heartwarming display of community generosity, the Our Lady and St Walstan Union of Catholic Mothers (UCM) from Costessey has donated a substantial sum of £1,250 to Samaritan’s Purse for their Operation Christmas Child shoebox appeal. This donation reflects the group’s commitment to supporting children in need around the world through this long-running charitable initiative. The formal presentation of the donation took place on March 3, 2026, when representatives from Samaritan’s Purse visited the UCM meeting to personally thank the members and share more information about the impact of their contribution.
Mark and Debra Watkins, volunteer Church and Community Relations team members with Samaritan’s Purse, were delighted to meet with the UCM group after being contacted by Marguerite, a member of the organization. During their visit, they learned that the UCM members had been inspired to support Operation Christmas Child after reading a positive news article in the East Anglia Catholic Directory about a similar shoebox collection at St George’s Catholic Church in Norwich the previous year. This chain of inspiration demonstrates how local charitable efforts can ripple through communities, encouraging others to participate in meaningful causes. The UCM members were particularly moved by the simplicity yet profound impact of filling shoeboxes with gifts for children who might otherwise receive nothing.
“Please do not underestimate the touch of God’s love on the precious lives of children who have received shoeboxes,” Debra explained to the group, emphasizing how their donation would support the ministry’s ability to provide Christian resources to local distributors in recipient countries. The Watkins couple shared impressive statistics that left the UCM members amazed – the UK alone sent 232,844 shoeboxes last year, contributing to a global total of over 12.2 million shoeboxes distributed to children across the world. These numbers highlight the extraordinary scale of Operation Christmas Child, which has been transforming lives for more than three decades through what Mark described as a “simple act of Love given in the name of Jesus.”
Throughout their presentation, Mark and Debra shared stories of lives changed through the shoebox program, bringing a personal dimension to the global initiative. They spoke about the enthusiasm they witness regularly across Norfolk and the wider UK, where schools, churches, clubs, and individuals eagerly participate in preparing shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies, hygiene items, and notes of encouragement. This grassroots participation creates a powerful connection between donors and recipients, even though they may be separated by thousands of miles. The UCM members were particularly touched to hear how children receiving the boxes often experience not only material support but also a profound sense of being valued and remembered by someone who cares about their wellbeing.
The partnership between the UCM and Operation Christmas Child exemplifies faith in action, with both organizations committed to serving others and making a tangible difference in children’s lives. Mark and Debra expressed deep gratitude for the support shown locally, specifically acknowledging the Union of Catholic Mothers for their generosity and compassion. This collaboration demonstrates how different religious and community groups can come together around shared values of kindness and service. The UCM’s contribution will help Operation Christmas Child continue its mission of reaching children in difficult situations with messages of hope and practical expressions of care, transcending geographical, cultural, and political boundaries.
For those inspired by this story of local generosity with global impact, Mark and Debra Watkins welcome inquiries from churches, schools, groups, or businesses interested in participating in Operation Christmas Child. They can be contacted at [email protected], and additional information about the initiative is available at www.samaritans-purse.org.uk. As Operation Christmas Child continues its work in 2026 and beyond, stories like the UCM’s generous donation remind us of the significant difference that local communities can make when they come together in support of children around the world. The simple gift of a shoebox, filled with care and sent with love, creates connections that span continents and brings joy to children facing challenging circumstances, demonstrating how small acts of kindness can collectively create a substantial impact.
