Shrewsbury woman's appeal puts 400 'boxes of love' in transit
More than 400 "boxes of love" are on their way to disadvantaged children in war-torn countries across the world – thanks in no small part to the hard work of a receptionist from Shropshire.
Jean Courtney, who has worked at caravan dealership Salop Leisure in Shrewsbury for 38 years, made her annual Operation Christmas Child appeal.
She said she was overwhelmed by the generous support of people across Shropshire and Mid Wales who had contributed a great many shoeboxes packed full of Christmas gifts to send to children living in extreme poverty.
She started collecting in October and contributed well in excess of 400 shoeboxes to Operation Christmas Child, including about 40 scarves and soft toys knitted by Mary Williams, from Myddle, near Shrewsbury, who is in her 90s.
Mrs Courtney, who began supporting Operation Christmas Child 15 years ago, said the generosity and kindness of donors, even when family budgets are tight, never ceased to amaze her.
This year, she received shoeboxes in Christmas wrappings from customers, staff, friends, caravan park owners, schools, churches, women's clubs and many individual donors.
"Every year, the response is unbelievable and shoeboxes are packed with beautiful gifts and a lot of love," said Mrs Courtney.
"The people of Shropshire and Mid Wales have very big hearts and my heartfelt thanks go out to each and every one of them for their support this year.
"I wish them all a very happy Christmas," she added.
Earlier this month thousands of boxes were collected from an industrial unit in Hortonwood, Telford, and taken to children in areas such as Kosovo.
Operation Christmas Child, which is run by Christian relief and development organisation Samaritan's Purse, aims to show that children in need have not been forgotten during the festive season.
