to remind those of you who would rather that your school DIDN'T support Operation Christmas Child/Samaritans Purse this year..

[AuntLucyInPeru]

..that this is the week that the leaflet goes out in schoolbags, so if you were planning on proposing a different charity for this year, you need to get your letters/emails off to the charity rep super quick!

(for those of you who have no idea why, previous threads here)

I will watching out for this in our school - they didn't do it last year but I will be waiting to see if they are proposing it this time.

Can we keep this thread for suggestions of alternatives? I don't think any more debate is needed and would really like some good ideas to offer the school if anyone has any?

I've suggested the local Family Centro, who supports homeless families, newly arrived refugees in B&B accommodation, and 'cared-for' children. DV refuges are also often willing recipients but some schools are reluctant as they don't want to open discussions ref DV with reception age children.

As much as I think it's hilarious anyone would get the hump about spreading the word of God at Christmas of all times....

Someone posted a link to this charity last night and I think it's brilliant. Even if your school doesn't get involved, your kids might still want to write to/send a gift to one of the sick children or their siblings.

Link here

Hi Worra - I'm a practicing CofE Christian, send my children to a religious school, and will be in Church on Christmas Day - but I'm not a hardline 'burn the Muslims/abortion is murder' right-wing American Evangelical christian - which is the ethos of Samaritans Purse. They're nothing to do with The Samaritans helpline people.

There are a couple of informative websites below, if you're interested.

www.pursestrings.ca/ (Canadian site about the charity)
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franklin_Graham (Wiki article on the founder)
www.humanism.org.uk/humanism/humanism-today/humanists-doing/charities/samaritans-purse Site with alternative suggestions for schools who do not endorse the extreme evangelical messages.

Worra that website is fantastic thank you for posting it.

Mary's meals is another alternative that could be suggested to schools. I think I would opt for this one if it comes up.

It is non-denominational but started from the founders Catholic faith (according to the website) They welcome church support/prayers but don't seek to convert the children they are helping to anything. I am an atheist but I would happily support this. As far as I can see, it does the Christian 'helping those less fortunate' but without any sneaky tactics.

You're welcome Diddy, I can't take the credit though...someone posted it last night but I can't remember who