Emmaus Colchester is delighted to announce that it has launched this year’s Operation Christmas. The annual appeal is held to encourage the local community to donate gifts to children whose families access the Colchester Foodbank.
The charity that supports those who have previously experienced homelessness, also supports others in the community. Retail Manager, Gemma Aylesbury says: “One of the most important parts of the Emmaus ethos is solidarity and we believe in helping others in the community that are less fortunate than ourselves, proving that everyone has the capacity to make a difference to the lives of others.”
Emmaus Colchester is asking for a selection of items for children between 0-16, including unopened and unused toys, stationery, books, luxury toiletries, sweets and gift vouchers. Gifts can be donated unwrapped at Emmaus Colchester’s New Life shop on Crouch Street until Saturday 7th December. The shop is open for donations between 9am-5pm Monday to Saturday.
Families who are referred to Colchester Foodbank will each receive a voucher which they can take into the New Life café during 9th-14th December, where they can collect a gift bag.
“We’ve had such a brilliant response in the past from the local community. Last year we gave out 300 gift bags, which we know were really appreciated by the children and families, helping to add that bit of magic to their special day,” Gemma said.
Operation Christmas is also being supported by Reed Colchester, who are joining Emmaus Colchester in supporting families who use the Foodbank.
Tom Copsey, Area Manager at Reed said, “At Reed Colchester we are very proud to support Emmaus Colchester’s Operation Christmas campaign. We genuinely believe that we must work together to end homelessness in our local community, which is why we market this campaign out every year to our friends, family, candidates and clients, to ensure we can help raise donations for this worthy cause.”
If you wish to donate items via Reed Colchester, please drop your presents off at the Colchester branch at 36 North Hill.