Catholic Volunteers Spread Christmas Joy Through Shoebox Ministry
For Mark and Debra Watkins, Christmas doesn’t come just once a year—it’s a year-round mission of love. As volunteer Church and Community Relations team members with Operation Christmas Child (OCC), this dedicated couple has spent another successful year building bridges between the charity and numerous Catholic parishes and schools throughout the Diocese of East Anglia. Their tireless efforts have strengthened a beautiful tradition of giving that connects local communities with children in need around the world through the simple yet powerful gift of a filled shoebox.
Throughout 2025, Mark and Debra’s outreach has touched numerous parishes across the diocese, including St. Peter’s Church in Gorleston, St. George’s Parish in Norwich, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Our Lady and St. Walstan in Costessey, and the Cromer and Sheringham Roman Catholic churches. They’ve also brought their message of compassion to younger generations, visiting St. Mary and St. Peter Primary School in Gorleston where they encountered what they described as “a group of fun and giving children, wanting to action their faith.” Their presentation to the Cathedral youth group further demonstrated their commitment to nurturing the spirit of generosity in young people. These interactions reveal how the shoebox ministry not only benefits children overseas but also provides local youth with a tangible way to express their faith through acts of kindness.
The spirit of generosity that Mark and Debra encountered throughout their work manifested in unexpected ways. A particularly touching moment came when the Union of Catholic Mothers at Our Lady and St. Walstan surprised them with a generous donation to support OCC’s ongoing mission. Meanwhile, David Burn, a Catholic from North Norfolk, emerged as a crucial ally in their efforts. After attending OCC workshops, David enthusiastically encouraged participation from the Sheringham and Cromer parishes. His outreach didn’t stop at Catholic communities—he also built connections with other denominations, creating what Mark and Debra described as “a great act of unity and working together.” This ecumenical cooperation highlights how the simple act of filling a shoebox can transcend denominational boundaries and bring Christians together in shared purpose.
Reflecting on the year’s accomplishments, Mark expressed profound gratitude for the groundswell of support they’ve received. “Last year was positive in bringing new partners to share in this ministry and this year has been exceptional, for which we say thank you to all involved and also to God,” he shared. The success of the program depends entirely on the collective efforts of countless volunteers at every stage—from those who craft handmade gifts to those who distribute empty boxes, collect filled ones, and send them off with prayers. Behind each shoebox is an invisible network of compassionate individuals whose combined efforts make the ministry possible. This community aspect of Operation Christmas Child demonstrates how individual acts of kindness, when multiplied across many hands, can create an impact far greater than any single contribution.
Despite having run for more than three decades, Operation Christmas Child retains the simple heart that has made it so effective. As Debra eloquently explained, the ministry creates a beautiful circle of joy that enriches both givers and receivers: “We see the joy in those who plan this ministry; who fill shoeboxes and pray before they are sent. Then we hear about and see the joy on the recipients’ faces.” The impact extends far beyond the immediate happiness of receiving a gift. Debra noted that they regularly hear testimonies from grown individuals who received shoeboxes as children and now serve with OCC, understanding firsthand the profound difference such a simple gift can make. “Please do not underestimate the value of this simple gift, given in the name of Jesus,” she urged, capturing the spiritual dimension that makes this charity so meaningful to Catholic communities.
The Watkins’ dedication to Operation Christmas Child reflects the essence of Catholic social teaching—recognizing the dignity of every person and reaching out to those in need with practical expressions of God’s love. Their invitation remains open to anyone interested in participating in this ministry, whether through a church, school, community group, or business. Those wishing to learn more can contact Mark and Debra directly at [email protected] or visit the Samaritan’s Purse website at www.samaritans-purse.org.uk. As another Christmas season approaches, their story reminds us that sometimes the most profound expressions of faith come wrapped in the simplest packages—a shoebox filled with gifts, prayers, and the universal language of compassion that speaks directly to a child’s heart.
