Inishowen embraces Operation Christmas Child 06.11.07

PEOPLE around Inishowen are once again embracing a unique charity drive to bring gifts to desperately needy children this Christmas. The Operation Christmas Child shoe box appeal has been ongoing for several weeks throughout the peninsula with parents and children enthusiastically filling gift boxes for street children and orphans throughout the world. The project is run by Samaritan's Purse and last year, boxes from Buncrana, Moville, Carndonagh and many other local towns were among the 271,067 sent from Ireland. They reached children in countries spanning Eastern Europe as well as Nepal, Swaziland, Lesotho and Mozambique. For many of them, it is the only present they have ever received.

Serenity House chairperson, Maura Cannon and treasurer Annette Faulkner co-ordinate the project for the people of Moville, Greencastle and surrounding areas. Maura says the appeal is growing in popularity every year. "People really get behind the shoe box appeal because it is a great way to give something to the poorest children in the
world at Christmas and it doesn't cost a fortune," said Maura. "It's also a great thing for parents and children to do together from getting the box, covering it with wrapping paper and then selecting the gifts for either a boy or a girl." The deadline has been extended for another week and boxes can be dropped in to Serenity House and other appeal outlets until Friday, November 9. People are also asked to enclose a cheque for just €3 or more, made payable to Samaritan's Purse towards the promotion and distribution costs of the project.
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