As the holiday season approaches, a sense of excitement and purpose fills the air at St George’s RC church in Norwich. For the second year in a row, the church is participating in the Operation Christmas Child campaign, a project that brings joy and hope to children living in poverty around the world. The parish has already started preparing for this year’s campaign by assembling cardboard shoeboxes, which will be filled with gifts and distributed to children in need. This initiative is a testament to the church’s commitment to spreading love and kindness beyond its community. With the support of Father Walter and the enthusiasm of its members, St George’s is eager to make a difference in the lives of these children.
The church’s involvement in Operation Christmas Child is a result of the tireless efforts of Mark and Debra Watkins, members of the Church and Community Relations team. As part of the Samaritan’s Purse charity, they work closely with churches, schools, and community groups to promote the campaign and facilitate the donation process. Mark, a long-time member of St George’s, has a unique perspective on the importance of this ministry. Having worshipped at both St George’s and an evangelical church, he believes that his diverse church background allows him to connect with and support various denominations. “We are blessed to see firsthand God’s work across the county, in all the churches we visit,” Mark says. “We witness the generous hearts of these churches, each with their unique approach to sharing the Gospel, and we value the contributions of every single one.” By partnering with Operation Christmas Child, St George’s is joining a global movement that seeks to bring hope and happiness to children who need it most.
This month, members of the parish gathered to prepare the pre-printed shoeboxes, which will be distributed to all three participating churches in September. The atmosphere was lively and filled with laughter, as people of all ages came together to make a difference. Over tea and coffee, they carefully packed the boxes with gifts, knowing that their efforts would bring joy to children who may have never experienced the magic of Christmas before. Mark describes the scene as “a joyful activity” that showcased the parish’s willingness to serve and come together for a common cause. As the shoeboxes began to take shape, it was clear that this ministry was about more than just sending gifts – it was about spreading love, kindness, and the message of Jesus to those who need it most.
As the campaign gains momentum, traditional shoeboxes can also be used, provided they are wrapped in a way that allows the lid to be easily removed. The colorful, lovingly wrapped boxes are a beacon of hope for the children who receive them, many of whom have only known sadness and hardship. The drop-off period for the shoeboxes is scheduled to take place from November 10th to 17th, and details of the designated locations can be found on the Operation Christmas Child website. For those interested in learning more about this incredible ministry, Mark and Debra Watkins can be contacted directly at [email protected]. By getting involved, individuals, churches, schools, and businesses can help make a tangible difference in the lives of children around the world.
The impact of Operation Christmas Child cannot be overstated. By sending shoeboxes filled with gifts, the campaign brings a sense of wonder and excitement to children who may have never received a gift before. But more than that, it provides an opportunity to share the message of Jesus and the love of God with those who may not have heard it before. As Mark so eloquently puts it, “We see in this ministry so many other benefits alongside the sending of shoeboxes to children and young people in the name of Jesus.” By participating in Operation Christmas Child, St George’s RC church is not only bringing joy to children in need but also living out its faith in a practical and meaningful way.
As the season of giving approaches, St George’s RC church in Norwich is an inspiring example of a community coming together to make a difference. Through its involvement in Operation Christmas Child, the parish is demonstrating its commitment to spreading love, kindness, and hope to those who need it most. By partnering with Samaritan’s Purse and the Church and Community Relations team, St George’s is joining a global movement that seeks to bring joy and happiness to children living in poverty around the world. As the shoeboxes are prepared and shipped out, the parish will be praying that they bring a sense of wonder, excitement, and most importantly, the love of God to the children who receive them. To learn more about Operation Christmas Child and how you can get involved, please visit www.samaritans-purse.org.uk or contact Mark and Debra Watkins directly. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children around the world, one shoebox at a time.
