Annual Gathering of Deacons Marks a Joyful Day
October 7, 2025
Pupils at St Mary and St Peter’s Primary School in Gorleston have once again shown compassion and generosity by supporting Operation Christmas Child, a project that delivers shoebox gifts to children in need around the world.
Operation Christmas Child (OCC) has been collecting and delivering shoebox gifts — filled with school supplies, hygiene items and fun toys — to children worldwide for three decades. Since 1990, the project has collected and delivered more than 200 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in over 160 countries and territories.
Mark and Debra Watkins, Church and Community Relations team members, were invited to meet the Mini Vinnies at St Mary and St Peter’s Primary School in Gorleston. Last year the school took part in sending shoeboxes to children and young people across the world. Natasha Hardman, teacher and leader of this group, planned the visit so the children could learn more about OCC and what happened with their shoeboxes last year.
Mark had previously met with Helen Armstrong, Executive Head, to explain more about the ministry of OCC. Mark said, “It has been a delight to meet with this school, pray and see how OCC could also benefit the school by using our resources and showing an additional way to bring out the mission heart in the children.”
Mark and Debra received a very warm welcome from all the staff and children. The pupils spoke excitedly about the shoeboxes they filled last year and fully engaged in discussions about what it might be like for children in other countries. They reflected on how a simple shoebox can bring joy to a child who feels alone and without hope. The children recognised that, unlike some children across the world, they do not have to share pencils and have access to books and learning opportunities. It was clear that Natasha and the children showed compassion in their responses and enthusiasm to help again this year.
Debra said, “What a lovely way to start our visit — the children all saying their prayer, the Mini Vinnies prayer. At the heart of this prayer, we heard the children say, ‘Let us use our gifts and talents to show love and concern for others.’ Whilst we come to give and support those who partner with us, we are constantly blessed by what we hear and see. Today was no exception. With great delight we gave the children certificates of thanks for their help, which they proudly held, as shown above.”
Mark and Debra wish to express their thanks to St Mary and St Peter’s for their support of Operation Christmas Child.
Those interested in more information about Operation Christmas Child for their church, school, group or business can contact Mark and Debra Watkins at markdebrawatkinsocc@yahoo.com.
Visit: www.samaritans-purse.org.uk
