Norfolk shoeboxes bolstered by knitted donations 

The Norfolk Knitters and Stitchers recently made a donation of handmade hats and gloves to Operation Christmas Child, which will be added to shoeboxes filled with gifts for children in need around the world. Operation Christmas Child sends these shoeboxes, along with a message of hope, to countries such as Central Asia, the Middle East, Moldova, Romania, Ukraine, and West Africa. In 2023, a total of 237,735 boxes were sent to the Balkans through the efforts of Mark and Debra Watkins, who work to involve the local community in supporting the charity. Debra made contact with the Knit and Natter group at St Williams Way Library, a part of the Norfolk Knitters and Stitchers, who have donated three black bags of knitted items for the cause.

Debra and Mark Watkins are the main contacts for Operation Christmas Child and are open to volunteers who want to support their work in delivering gifts to children in need. Those interested in getting more information on how to participate in the charity through their church, school, group, or business can reach out to Mark and Debra at [email protected]. The Norfolk Knitters and Stitchers, who meet monthly at the Norwich Wool Loft Resource Centre, have been actively involved in supporting Operation Christmas Child through their generous donations of handmade items. These contributions are then passed on to local churches for packing parties to prepare the shoeboxes for distribution.

Operation Christmas Child focuses not only on providing physical gifts to children in need but also on spreading the message of hope through the gospel. The charity sends these shoeboxes filled with donations to countries where children face various challenges and hardships. By partnering with local communities and groups like the Norfolk Knitters and Stitchers, Operation Christmas Child is able to reach a wider audience and make a positive impact on the lives of children around the world. To learn more about how you can support this initiative, visit www.samaritans-purse.org.uk for additional information and resources on getting involved in spreading joy and hope to children in need.