St Neots is home to a Processing Centre for Operation Christmas Child, a project of the international Christian relief organisation Samaritan’s Purse, that sends millions of Christmas gifts to children in need around the world. By 18 December 2021, the project aims to process and ship 40,000+ gift-filled shoeboxes collected from the East Anglia of the United Kingdom. For most of the boys and girls around the world who are given a shoebox gift, it will be the first gift they have ever received.

The St Neots facility will be one of 3 major Processing Centres operating simultaneously nationwide from 22 November to 18 December, as well as 4 more pop-up Processing Centres for 2-6 days in Belfast, Bristol Cardiff, and Glasgow. Many volunteers are needed from the area to inspect and organise shoeboxes—filled with fun toys, school supplies and hygiene items—for delivery to children in need.

“It’s amazing to see the local community rally together for a global purpose”

said Trish Ellse, the local regional manager for Operation Christmas Child.

“We see all ages getting involved – and more and more every year and it is a great morning, day or evening out. Come with your work, come with your family, and come with your friends for some fun and joy!”

Ana from Romania will be visiting the St Neots Processing Centre to share how an Operation Christmas Child shoebox changed her life. Ana received a shoebox gift when she was a young girl, and this simple gift made an eternal impact.
For more information about volunteering at the St Neots Processing Centre, visit the website www.samaritans-purse.org.uk/occ or pop in to 3 Tebbutts Road (Old Poundstretcher), St Neots, PE19 1AW