Christmas joy for poverty-stricken youngsters

Global workplace provider Regus in Exeter is supporting a Christmas campaign which sends present-filled shoeboxes to needy children in developing and war torn countries.

The Regus centre is a local drop off point until the 18th November for the 2013 “Operation Christmas Child” shoebox appeal.

Run in conjunction with the Samaritan’s Purse charity, the appeal involves filling shoeboxes with toys and gifts to send to children overseas in refugee camps, orphanages, homeless shelters and impoverished neighbourhoods.

Steve Purdy, Managing Director at Regus, says: “The Shoebox Appeal is easy, fun to take part in, and brings incredible joy to children who are in real poverty. We’re hoping that lots of other local workplaces as well as schools and clubs will support us by filling shoeboxes with small gifts for children who have probably never received a present before. Then simply bring them into one of our business centres by 18 November.”

Shoeboxes can be dropped off at the Regus centre at Exeter Business Park until Monday 18 November on weekdays between 9am and 5pm.

All 220 Regus centres in the UK are taking part in the initiative.

Regus operates a global network of flexible, modern work spaces including business lounges, meeting rooms and touch-down desks.

For centre addresses and further details see www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk or www.regus.co.uk

How to pack your Christmas shoebox:

Remember to make your box both fun and educational! All shoebox items should be new and can contain gifts such as:

Toys: cuddly toy, tennis ball, finger puppet, jigsaw, yo-yo, skipping rope, small musical instrument. For boys: toy trucks and cars; for girls: dolls, hair accessories etc. but no war-related items.

Educational supplies: pens, pencils, pencil sharpener, eraser, colouring book, notepad, picture or puzzle book, chalk, pencil case, stickers etc.

Hygiene items: Toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, comb, hair clips, bar of soap, flannel etc.

Other items: Sweets except chocolate and biscuits (sell by date to be at least March 2014), gloves, scarf, sunglasses, cap, etc.