OPTICIANS in Kidderminster and Stourport launched an early appeal for customers to donate presents for children in need this Christmas.
The town’s Specsavers has teamed up with its sister store in Droitwich to support the Samaratin’s Purse charity with its Operation Christmas Child appeal.
Samaritan’s Purse is an international relief and development organisation providing aid to disadvantaged communities in Africa, Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
Operation Christmas Child is one of the organisation’s biggest schemes, with thousands of churches, schools and businesses across the country donating and collecting shoeboxes to be sent overseas.
For the appeal, the local community and store customers are being encouraged to fill a shoebox with essential items and treats for youngsters who may not otherwise receive anything this upcoming festive season.
Labels are available in each store so you know the age and gender of the child you are packing a shoebox for, as well as leaflets detailing what items should be included.
Emma Singh, store director at all four Specsavers stores said: “Our teams have already made up a number of gift-filled shoeboxes and we have a collection box in the store for anyone who wants to make a donation.
“We’re hoping to send as many boxes as we can this year so we’d be really grateful for your support.
“We have been involved with Operation Christmas Child for a number of years and we all feel incredibly passionate about supporting Samaritan’s Purse to bring some festive cheer to children all over the world.”
Donations are open from now until Monday, November 11. Donations can be made at Kidderminster’s stores in Coventry Street and Swan Centre (Sainsbury’s), as well as Stourport on Severn’s store on High Street are also collecting donations.
Visit https://www.samaritans-purse.org.uk/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child for more information.
