Manchester Singles Donate to 'Operation Christmas Child'

Manchester young single adults from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently donated 20 shoe boxes to 'Operation Christmas Child'.  On 16th November, 23 young people, friends and missionaries met for an evening of service at the Church YSA building in Central Manchester. Many of the young people aged 18 – 30 years planned the evening and gift-wrapped the boxes in advance. After a lesson on the joy of service they filled the boxes with toys, hygiene items, school supplies and sweets donated by the YSA’s themselves.

Ella Goodall, a member of the Manchester young single congregation said, “I loved the opportunity to give a gift to a child I do not know and it was humbling reminder of what the Christmas season is really about. It can be difficult to find opportunities to serve but this was simple to arrange and effective! We really felt that making up these shoe boxes made a difference not only to the children and families receiving them but it was also a wonderful chance to reflect on all that we are blessed with.”

Bishop Roberts commented, “It delights me to see our fantastic young people involved in such a giving cause as the Christmas Child Charity to emulate our Saviours love for us all. These acts of service provide us with the perfect opportunity to serve our fellowmen. All the boxes were put together with a great deal of love and care and as a result we shall continue to look forward further similar service projects in the future.”

The boxes were delivered the next day to a local collection point for the charity organised by Samaritans Purse UK. Since 1990, the charity has distributed 124 million shoe boxes to places such as Africa, Eastern Europe and Asia. The young people of the Church will find out in January where their parcels were distributed.