Samaritan's Purse – Shoe Boxes

On the 10th of November Hoyland Methodist Church opened its doors to receive this year's shoe boxes for processing. Two and half weeks later we had processed 2,365 boxes. Each of which has to be checked to ensure that they do not contain liquids or chocolate or any other items that would be unacceptable to the receiving country. As boxes from this area go to Belarus and Azerbaijan we try to ensure that each has a warm hat and gloves in them which donors kindly knit during the year. After checking, they are sealed with security tape and packed into cartons. The cartons, 230 of them, are collected and taken to the Sheffield warehouse where they are put on lorries, along with others from South Yorkshire, for their onward journey.

Our own church provided volunteers, others came from other local churches and some volunteers had no church affiliation. There is a wonderful atmosphere as we share fellowship together. We have already been asked if the church can be used again next year, it will, and we look forward to welcoming new volunteers to assist. Please contact me if your church would like to hear more about this aspect of Samaritan's Purse and I will liaise with the Area Coordinator to visit you.

Hilary Simmons Hoyland Methodist Church