Operation Christmas Child launches in Birkenhead

Nov 10 2010 by Kevin Tarbuck, Birkenhead News

Operation Christmas Child launches in Birkenhead

UNLOVED Barbie and Ken dolls are being offered the chance of a makeover as part of this year’s Operation Christmas Child campaign.

Volunteers for the charity are asking parents to donate any dolls which their children may no longer play with, so they can be spruced up and sent to children living in poverty stricken or war-torn countries.

Margaret Williamson, the area co-ordinator for the appeal, said: “Some of our Operation Christmas Child volunteers are expert at giving tired dolls a once-in-a-lifetime makeover, which turns them into dolls that any child would love to play with, and to love.”

Every Christmas, thousands of shoe boxes are sent out.

Margaret also spoke of how the packages bring joy to children who otherwise wouldn’t receive a Christmas gift.

She said: “Shoeboxes are given unconditionally to children in need, regardless of race, colour or religious beliefs.

“The children who receive these gifts are amongst the poorest of the poor, and most will have never received a gift in their lives.”

Last year Wirral residents donated more than 12,000 boxes , more than in previous years despite therecession.

Anyone wishing to donate can visit the scheme’s warehouse at Unit 75 on the Woodside Industrial Estate. For information on filling shoeboxes, visit www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk, join their Facebook group, or call Margaret on 07506 407272.