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Norfolk sends 9,585 shoeboxes to children in Ukraine  
 

On Wednesday evening a lorry picked up its load of 9,585 shoeboxes filled with Christmas presents, donated by Norfolk families, schools and churches to take to children in the Ukraine.

Members of the Operation Christmas Child volunteer team waved goodbye to a lorry packed with 9,585 donated shoeboxes on the evening of Wednesday, December 13 as it begins its journey to the Ukraine.

The shoeboxes have been packed, some to overflowing, with toys, toiletries and stationery by families, churches and schools across Norfolk to be given as unconditional gifts to needy children in the Ukraine. 

The lorry was packed following three weeks of hard work by the volunteer team processing the donated shoeboxes at a warehouse on Wymondham’s Business Park.

Trish Ellse, Norfolk's Area Coordinator for Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child explained what will happen to the shoeboxes now: “Samaritan’s Purse works with local churches in countries that the shoeboxes are distributed in, and they invite children of all races and religions, there is no discrimination, to come and receive a shoebox gift.  Once they have received a gift the children are invited to go on ‘The Greatest Journey Discipleship Programme’ with their parent’s permission.” 

“This is a fantastic 12 week programme where they get taught about Jesus and the Bible. Often that in turn builds up the local church in that community.  Parents of the children are often also interested, through seeing changes in their children. It is fantastic.” 

Trish added: “We want to thank Anglia Pallets for the loan of their pallets in the warehouse, Network Norwich for raising the profile of OCC in Norfolk, Vantastic, Adrian, Norfolk Knitters, Norfolk Council and everyone who has contributed fillers and time to bless the children receiving the shoeboxes from Norfolk this year!”

Click here to see the EDP's photos of the lorry picking up Norfolk's shoeboxes


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