Leeds BS supports Operation Christmas Child Appeal

Leeds Building Society is delighted to again support the Samaritan's Purse Operations Christmas Child appeal. This is the third successive year the Society has taken part in this national initiative, and Leeds Building Society branches will be collecting shoeboxes from members of the public until 18th November.

Operation Christmas Child is the world's largest children's Christmas project. Since 1990 the project has brought the joy of Christmas to more than 60 million boys and girls throughout the world. Last year the appeal sent 1.23 million shoe boxes from the UK to children in hospitals, orphanages, Internally Displaced Persons camps, homeless shelters and impoverished communities. The charity is hoping to reach even more children in the poorest parts of the world in 2009.

Each dispatched shoe box, collected at Branches of Leeds Building Society, will be delivered by hand to a child in need, asking nothing from them in return. All boxes are given to the neediest children regardless of nationality, political background or religious beliefs. Operation Christmas Child works through local partners in overseas countries to ensure that shoe boxes donated by members of the public are delivered with the highest levels of integrity and respect.

Keith Gibbons, Regional Manager for Operation Christmas Child said, "By agreeing that its Branches can act as ‘drop off points' for the Operation Christmas Child appeal, Leeds Building Society will be sending a message of hope to children in need around the world through the gift-filled shoe boxes.

"We were delighted to send 1.23 million shoe boxes from the UK last year and, although we are aware that the recession is having a real impact on people across the UK, we believe their generosity and kindness will help us maintain our success. The support of organisations such as Leeds Building Society is a tremendous boost in helping us achieve our aims."

Michael Ward, Press and P.R. Officer at Leeds Building Society said, "We think Operation Christmas Child is a brilliant project that we recommend others to be part of. The shoe boxes not only assist the children that receive them, but also help our staff and customers feel part of something bigger that is helping others."