Hello everyone,
I hope I find you all well in these unusual times. It’s the point in the year when we focus on Operation Christmas Child and the Marys Meals Backpack project. Operation Christmas Child sends gift filled shoe boxes to children in need in the world at Christmas time and the Mary’s Meals backpack project provides school equipment and clothing for children living in Malawi who need these things to get an education. St Lukes will be continuing to support these initiatives. However due to the current restrictions it will not be possible to have a packing Sunday where the church gets together to pack boxes and backpacks ready for sending to children in need in different parts of the world and so Fiona Pulle and I will be working together to coordinate events.
This year we will only be able to collect completed boxes and backpacks, therefore our launch date for these projects will be on 27th September which is earlier than normal. We have decided on an earlier start date so that everyone has extra time collecting things they need to complete their box or backpack. Leaflets for both projects will be available from church or myself and we can also drop off empty shoe boxes or leaflets if required. You can also get the information on packing a shoebox from: https://www.samaritans-purse.org.uk/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/how-to-pack-a-s hoebox/ or alternatively you can pack an online shoe box if you prefer, details can be found on the same link.
To pack a Mary’s Meals backpack all the information you need can be found on this link. https://www.marysmeals.org.uk/get-involved/campaigns/the-backpack-project Remember that this initiative encourages recycling so equipment and clothing does not need to be new.
I know that we have some busy knitters and those that sew at St Lukes and we would be happy to accept your beautiful work for sending in additional boxes Fiona and I can make so that children will receive your lovely gifts. Also if you would like to make a monetary contribution towards buying items for additional boxes and backpacks Fiona and I make or towards postage then please provide this in a sealed envelope by 25th October.
Our shoebox and backpack finale will be on 1st November 2020 and the church hall will be open from 8.30 – 9.30 to receive your boxes and backpacks.
Thank you in advance for your continued support of these projects, children in need will find excitement and joy in receiving a shoe box or backpack filled with love.
Take Care
Sally Corrigan Fiona Pulle
07958285748 07443644457
01477533734 01477537796