Soul Church Nursery’s Heartwarming Holiday Mission

In the spirit of giving, Soul Church Nursery in Norwich has once again partnered with Samaritan’s Purse for their annual Operation Christmas Child initiative, bringing joy to children around the world through thoughtfully packed shoeboxes. This year, the nursery hosted a lively packing party that brought together children, parents, caregivers, and staff in a collaborative effort that was both fun and meaningful. The event not only created a festive atmosphere but served as a hands-on lesson in compassion and generosity for everyone involved, especially the young participants who experienced firsthand the joy that comes from giving to others in need.

The nursery staff quickly recognized how Operation Christmas Child could serve as both an enjoyable activity and a powerful teaching tool about the importance of helping those less fortunate. Their efforts paid off impressively—this year, Soul Church Nursery filled 50 shoeboxes, nearly doubling their contribution from the previous year. Beyond the physical gifts, the nursery community also provided financial donations to support the broader mission of Operation Christmas Child: delivering expressions of love and enabling churches worldwide to share their message of hope. The initiative has become a beloved tradition at the nursery, one that leaves a lasting impression on the children while making a tangible difference in the lives of recipients across the globe.

Mark Watkins, a representative from Operation Christmas Child, expressed his admiration for the nursery’s commitment, stating: “We have been greatly impressed by how keen and supportive they have been to build on last year’s achievements. It is most evident that they see the total vision of this ministry both in teaching compassion to Nursery members and then turning this into actions of service.” The nursery’s approach demonstrates how even very young children can grasp important concepts of kindness and giving when presented in an engaging, age-appropriate manner. By incorporating these values into their curriculum and activities, Soul Church Nursery is helping to develop not only academic skills but also emotional intelligence and social awareness in their charges.

The children at Soul Church Nursery thoroughly enjoyed the process of filling the shoeboxes, carefully selecting items that would bring happiness to other children. Following tradition from the previous year, the young participants will proudly march their filled boxes to the Operation Christmas Child collection van—a simple ceremony that reinforces the significance of their contribution while celebrating their accomplishment. This moment of pride and joy has become a highlight for many of the children, who beam with happiness as they personally deliver the fruits of their charitable labor. The physical act of carrying the boxes helps the children understand that their efforts will directly reach another child, making the concept of giving more concrete and meaningful for these young minds.

Debra Watkins from Operation Christmas Child shared her gratitude for the nursery community’s participation: “We are thankful to all the staff, children and their loved ones for the support they have given. It has been clear from our contact how much joy the Nursery has had in supporting Operation Christmas Child. This in itself is just one of the blessings in being involved.” Indeed, the mutual benefit of such initiatives is evident—while recipients gain much-needed gifts and supplies, the givers experience the profound satisfaction that comes from selfless acts of kindness. For the children at Soul Church Nursery, these early experiences with philanthropy may well shape their attitudes toward giving and community service throughout their lives.

The success of Soul Church Nursery’s participation in Operation Christmas Child highlights how educational institutions can meaningfully engage with charitable causes in ways that enhance their curriculum while making a positive impact on the wider world. Their approach demonstrates that even the youngest members of society can contribute to global goodwill when provided with appropriate guidance and opportunities. For those inspired by this example, Operation Christmas Child welcomes participation from churches, schools, community groups, and businesses, with Mark and Debra Watkins available to provide information to interested parties. As the children at Soul Church Nursery have discovered, the simple act of filling a shoebox with gifts can become a powerful expression of care and connection that transcends geographical boundaries and cultural differences.