The Christmas Child boxes

Is anybody doing them?

I did them as a kid and am considering doing some this year. The Samaritans helped my family quite a bit when we were in need, giving food and furniture after my mum escaped an abusive relationship with her kids, including me

I cant help being a bit cautious though. Ive probably become a complete cynic, but Im a bit uncomfortale witht the whole religious stuff that goes with it. Im not Christian and dont believe the spread of Christianity into areas of poverty would do much good, especially if its done in a preachy way. These people are vulnerable. On the other hand it all seems like an amazing cause, and Id love some little children to get presents from me. Am I worrying unnecessarily? Do they just give the gifts and help out and thats that, or is there a bit of a "spread Christianity" agenda? It doesnt really seem that way, but I just want to be sure
Of course then theres the lesser of 2 evils to consider. I mean even if they are overly religious about it, at least these kids would get some useful stuff, right?

Id like to know if anyone heres going to be filling some boxes
Heres their site
www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk

Ta like

I think you'd be better placed giving money to Save the Children. Ten pounds is all it takes to save the life of a starving child without any religious agenda being pushed. When I give to charity I always think about how my money can have the most impact. OCC is a good idea - although I'm uncomfortable with religious messages too - but I don't think it's the most urgent of causes, or the best way to make an impact with limited resources....

I don't see too much of a problem with religious charities where what they're doing is not overtly religious or political (such as telling people not to wear condoms...), as far as the receiving child is concerned it's just a box full of presents. Assuming they don't put a Bible in there or tell them it's a gift from god (who shops at Argos, natch).

People may be doing the right things for the wrong reasons, but what they are doing is still right. I try to highlight the issues wherever possible but I don't think we should throw the baby out with the bathwater.

Stick a copy of Dawkins' "The God Delusion" in there

I like the idea, like lithium was saying just because it's christmas it doesn't mean that giving presents must have religious overtones. Many people celebrate christmas in a very non-religious way, as a time of happiness, being with poeple who love them and having kindness in the air.

I think it's lovely, I tend to help with packing the boxes a school. I don't think religion needs to come into it, christmas isn't exactly a damaging festival and the child gets something that makes them happy in an otherwise horrible place

I wasnt saying christmas presents automatically equal religion..its just they do this whole "with love from God" and stuff...which personally I dont mind too much, but I was just wondering if anyone knew if they did anything else religious over there, thats all, like set up churches that preach about Jesus and stuff, which I know some organisations do

As it appears they dont were now doing 2 boxes for the year-Not a lot but all we can really manage

I think its a fantastic cause. I just wanted to be sure where my money was going, thats all

Thanx lots

Who knew you could get a novelty sponge, 2 bars of soap, a folding hairbrush with mirror, a tub of playdough with moulds, a drawing set, a cuddly toy and some sparkly hairbands all for a fiver

Well Ive got the stinky flu but managed to get it all packed and given in

Heres a fluey cheesy Blue Peter style photo of our accomplishment for the greater good
Oh yeah

That is so so blue peter Maxi!!

Haha I know Theres one of Scott packing the thing thats even worse, Ill have to dig that out