Operation Christmas Child appeal goes out at Oakham Baptist Church

The faithful help vulnerable members of society with projects at home and abroad.

Oakham Baptist Church supports the Operation Christmas Child appeal to provide gifts to young people living in difficult circumstances.

Closer to home, the church will host Christmas Day lunch for people who would otherwise be alone.

Suzanne Johnson coordinates the appeal for donations on behalf of the church.

Supporters are invited to fill a shoebox with gifts for a boy or girl 2-4, 5-9 or 10-14. It can include treats like toys and games or essentials like toiletries and school supplies.

Suzanne said: “Operation Christmas Child is a project that fascinates me. It’s a very special gift for someone who otherwise wouldn’t receive a gift or maybe not have a good Christmas.

Suggested items include soft toys, dolls, toy cars, small musical instruments, coloring books, crayons, soap, hair accessories, gloves and socks.

Packages must not contain toothpaste, candy, lotions and liquids, used or damaged items, war related items, seeds, gum, food, religious or political literature, medicines , spray cans or sharp and fragile items.

Oakham Baptist Church at Melton Road will be open to people wishing to drop off their boxes on the following days: Monday, November 15 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday November 16 and Thursday November 18 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Friday, November 19 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, November 20 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Refreshments will be available during these times as well as craft activities for children to make and add to the boxes.

Supporters are encouraged to fill a box, print a label from the Samaritan’s purse website and make a requested donation of £ 5 to cover costs.

All details are available at: www.samaritans-purse.org.uk

Oakham Baptist Church will also be hosting free lunches on Christmas Day for those who would otherwise be alone. There will be an optional service at 10:30 am followed by lunch at noon.

To register, email: [email protected] or call the church on 01572 724990.