Shoeboxes
We decided last year that this Christmas we would join with Kay Street in supporting the West of England Baptist Association Shoebox appeal for Albania in connection with some of the Baptist Union churches in Albania. We decided this for a few reasons: It was a Baptist appeal, our link missionaries were in Albania, the shoeboxes could be taken to Kay Street, the transport costs were lower and because the boxes were going to one country there were fewer restrictions on what could go in them. Then of course everything changed because of the virus! Please go to the West of England Baptist Network website for more information:
https://www.webnetwork.org.uk/mission/webox-appeal/
2020 Update
The events of the past year in Albania, with the earthquake at the end of 2019, and now Covid-19, mean that this year there is even more of a need for the WEBoxes. In reality though, there are limitations and restrictions, due to Covid-19, that make running the project in the usual way unfeasible.
This gives us an opportunity to explore a different way of running the project, and we are inviting you to be part of this new opportunity!
For 2020, instead of buying the items in the UK, packing and transporting them across Europe, we will be buying the gifts in Albania and giving them to the children in gift bags. This should not only minimise Covid-19 contact points, but will also be more environmentally friendly and invests in the Albanian economy.
So, how will it work? We are suggesting that a WEBag of gifts will probably cost between £12-£15 and so individuals, as well as churches and schools or any community group here, can gift money towards one or more bags. Additionally, to maintain the personal connection, there will be the opportunity for people to send in messages electronically, which we can then print and put into the bags.
You can donate online here: https://www.webnetwork.org.uk/mission/webox-appeal/
Or you can send a donation to John who can forward it.
If you are desperate to fill a shoebox, you can still support Operation Christmaschild BUT you will be responsible for delivering your shoebox to Towneley Garden Centre between the 9th and 16th of November. No toothpaste or sweets can be sent this year. More details can be found here: https://www.samaritans-purse.org.uk/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/
Christmas will certainly be different here this year, but children around the world have also been affected and we can help!
Jen