A HARDWORKING and dedicated volunteer from Pershore is aiming to wrap 13,000 Christmas shoeboxes full of gifts to make sure children in the poorest countries aren’t left empty handed.
Barbara Pearson from Charlton, near Pershore, has wrapped over 43,000 boxes for the Samaritan’s Purse appeal since 2011 after volunteering in church.
The 71-year-old is on course to reach her target having wrapped 10,500 shoeboxes so far with weeks to go until the last boxes can be sent.
Every year the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child appeal sees thousands of shoeboxes full of toys, games and colour books sent around the world to children who otherwise wouldn’t recieve a gift on Christmas Day.
Chris Roberts, Assistant Director for Operation Christmas Child in the UK, said:
“I have known Barbara for about five years now and she is a truly amazing individual.
“She has made OCC her Ministry and tours the Midlands gathering up boxes and distributing them to churches or groups who want them.
“Her commitment is such that because we have no permanent sites where we can store the shoeboxes during the year, she has actually purchased a couple of extra sheds in her own garden to keep them in.
“I also know that she has been well supported by donations from firms who make wrapping paper,” he added.
