Orchid pubs support Operation Christmas Child

9th November 2009, 3:26pm

Over 170 Orchid pubs are once again supporting Operation Christmas Child this year.

The scheme asks people to gift fill shoeboxes.  The boxes are transported all over the globe sending a message of hope to children in desperate situations - regardless of nationality, political background or religious beliefs.

The pubs involved will be acting as a drop off point where people can hand in their completed shoeboxes.   Boxes must be taken to the pubs before 18th November to allow time for transportation.

Commercial director Simon Dodd commented: "We're delighted to be supporting Operation Christmas Child for the second year running, helping brighten up Christmas for the world's poorest children. This worthwhile campaign is a fantastic way to kick off the festive season and provides a feel-good factor for our staff and customers alike.

"The campaign also brings real commercial benefits to our pubs.  We find increased footfall in our sites during the run up to Christmas and it generates great press coverage which helps to boost our pubs' profiles locally." 

Gifts are collected for children aged 2 to 14, either boys or girls.  Ideas for boys include cars, small musical instruments, puzzles, sun glasses or felt tip pens.  Boxes for girls could contain dolls, costume jewellery, hair bands, toiletries or toys.  Full details on how and what to pack can be found at: www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk

Tina Scott, general manager of the George Stephenson in Walsall added: "We were overwhelmed by the response from our locals last year.  It was heart-warming to see everyone so eager to help these children at Christmas and we had hundreds of boxes brought in."

Last year over 1.2 million shoeboxes packed full of gifts and goodies were wrapped, packed and sent to children in disadvantaged situations by children and adults in the UK alone.

Related Articles:

• 05 Nov 2010 - Orchid pub group launches website to promote 3D TV screens
• 24 May 2010 - Orchid changes its line up of spirits at its bars
• 14 May 2009 - Orchid pubs support assistance dog charity
• 04 Nov 2008 - Charity drop off point at Orchid pubs

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