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Christmas

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Original poster

Operation Christmas Child

76 replies

LaMarschallin · 29/09/2019 17:13

Picked up my box for this at church today.
Link if anyone is wondering what I'm on about:

www.samaritans-purse.org.uk/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/

I asked our coordinator what was the category that got fewest donations and she reckons that, locally at least, it's boys aged 10-14.

It seems to make most sense to fill a box for that category, but... help required please!

I'm at that awkward age: my children (girls) and those of most of my friends and family are grown up but no grandchildren yet.
There's the odd younger boy (oldest 5) around, but I'd really appreciate some ideas.

Suggestions are: a quality toy, with other "fun toys, hygiene items and school supplies".

We can't send:
Clothing other than hats, scarves and gloves;
War-related items such as toy guns/knives, military figures;
Seeds;
Sweets, chocolate or food items;
Toothpaste, lotions or liquids, including bubbles;
Medicines;
Hand-made stuffed toys;
Playing cards of the 4 suit variety;
Religious or political literature;
Sharp or fragile items;
Books with mainly words.

Ideas very welcome!

OP posts:
BertrandRussell · 29/09/2019 17:59

Sorry- no of course you haven’t upset anyone. I’m just so angry that it’s still going on!

AutumnCrow · 29/09/2019 18:02

I agree it's a hideous 'charity'. Please donate your local food bank or care leavers' appeal.

WrongKindOfFace · 29/09/2019 18:07

At least you know now, OP.

There are definitely better charities out there. And I agree with whoever said it’s a massive waste of air miles and funds. You’re unlikely to send anything that can’t be bought locally.

A donation to the local refuge or food bank might be better?

randomusername · 29/09/2019 18:11

Link to hope is much better. They do family and elderly boxes

Original poster
LaMarschallin · 29/09/2019 18:13

gamerchick

You're not going to get the replies you're expecting OP. Unless you know that already and fancied poking a stick in the nest Wink

Just saw this and, god no!
That's really not the sort of thing I'd do.
Nor do I have a dragon tattoo, come to think of it Smile

Will put more thought into it.
Thanks everybody for both the suggestions and the education.

OP posts:
Original poster
LaMarschallin · 29/09/2019 18:15

exexpat

The topic comes up on MN almost every year around this time

Ah.
You've probably guessed by now that this is my first MN Christmas.

OP posts:
Starfish28 · 29/09/2019 18:16

You haven't upset anyone, it's just deeply depressing this charity is still going, and so many primary schools in the UK still support it. I reported it to my son's primary school, and the following year they found another one operating in the local city. There are so many ways to help less fortunate children at Christmas and I think this charity really isn't the way to go.

Starfish28 · 29/09/2019 18:18

Also, serious question, what is wrong with playing cards?

obviouslymarvellous · 29/09/2019 18:19

Our school pushes this every year - since I found out (on here) what it's actually about I no longer do it, and give to food banks or the local Christmas toy donation appeal that's on radio

Original poster
LaMarschallin · 29/09/2019 18:23

Also, serious question, what is wrong with playing cards?

If you're asking me, I don't know.
I was just quoting the myriad things we were told not to put in.
They might encourage gambling or something?

As you can tell, I'm no great authority on this. It's the first time I've come across this and I'm afraid I took it at face value.
"It seemed a good idea at the time..." are obviously Famous Last Words for a reason.

OP posts:
Pootin · 29/09/2019 18:25

Because the loony organisers of Samaritans purse believe that playing cards are evil Hmm
http://www.eaec.org/bibleanswers/playing_cards.htm

FlibbertyGiblets · 29/09/2019 18:41

LaMarschallin often church and schools don't know the background and like you, think it a splendid idea when taken at face value.

Don't feel bad. Do donate elsewhere.

Give yourself a pat on the back for being open to taking on board information.

Original poster
LaMarschallin · 29/09/2019 18:44

Give yourself a pat on the back for being open to taking on board information.

That counts as advanced yoga at my age, but I'll give it a try Smile
And thank you.

OP posts:
issano · 29/09/2019 18:48

Like a pp said, if you are in the NW or you local radio station takes part in mission Christmas this is an amazing charity to donate to instead! With drop off points often located in local supermarkets etc.

AutumnCrow · 29/09/2019 18:48

OP, I wish others on here were as receptive to new ideas as you!

Good on you. Smile

OrchidInTheSun · 29/09/2019 18:50

Can I suggest instead (if you would like to encourage your church to donate to a cause with a Christian ethos) www.marysmeals.org.uk/donate

You can feed a whole school for a year as a congregation

tinytemper66 · 29/09/2019 18:52

We have stopped doing it in my Catholic school. We give to local charities instead.

MillicentMartha · 29/09/2019 18:59

I think I react so negatively because I have done boxes in the past, thinking it was all good. The local primary school and the church that used to run it have both stopped since a group of us informed them of the background of Samaritan’s purse and now support other charities.

loutypips · 29/09/2019 19:00

If you really want to put a shoebox thing together, consider giving to local homeless charities or women's shelters. Or even putting together a gift package for an old person in a care home. But please don't support a 'charity' that will only give presents to children as long as they accept loads of religious bumpf that is trying to convert them. Also, the ceo has some very troubling opinions that are forced on the followers.

OhWhatFuckeryIsThisNow · 29/09/2019 19:16

Our school is supporting this, despite many staff voicing concerns. Last year it was food banks and WA, but new (very catholic) head has insisted on it. Last time we did it ( about 7 years ago) the boxes didn't get collected and we ended up donating them to WA.(lots of toiletries and warm hats)

PinkJam · 29/09/2019 19:23

@LaMarschallin Well I had absolutely no idea of the controversy surrounding this charity/collection either. I think it’s a lovely idea though and I’m sure lots of local charities would be really appreciate of it. Smile

AlphabetMummy · 29/09/2019 19:24

@Pootin i think ive just discovered i must be a santanist! I have at least 10 sets of playing cards in my house lmao!!

Starfish28 · 29/09/2019 19:26

@LaMarschallin no I didn't expect you to have a direct answer, was more wondering from the group. But yes, it seems that the charity doesn't believe people can't use a set of playing cards without gambling. As others have said, it's great you are open to other ideas. I live in Southern Africa and everything about this charity makes my blood run cold.

ticking · 29/09/2019 19:28

@obviouslymarvellous I got my ass in gear (after about 5 years of ignoring it) and wrote an email to the head. Our school no longer participates.

exexpat · 29/09/2019 20:01

OhWhatFuckery I am surprised a 'very catholic' head would want to support anything run by Samaritan's Purse - they actually target Catholics, particularly in Latin America, to convert them to evangelical protestantism. Has he/she actually read the kind of material SP hands out at the shoebox distribution events and used in the follow-up sessions? www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/the-greatest-journey/

There are lots of Catholic-run charities which are actually much more ethical than SP - I think Mary's Meals is originally Catholic (though does not proselytise), and there is always Cafod and Caritas.