After the success of a collection in 2014 Friends Provident International is once again supporting Operation Christmas Child.

Throughout November staff collected items and boxes for the project which is run by the Samaritan’s Purse charity. The project delivers shoeboxes filled with small gifts to children in countries that may be affected by war, poverty, or that are just less fortunate than many children in the UK. Boxes have been prepared for children ranging between 2-4 years, 5-9 years or 10-14 years with a wide variety of gifts and treats including toys, school supplies, hygiene items (such as toothbrushes/toothpaste, soap, combs or hairbrushes) or other practical items (hats, caps, gloves or scarves, sunglasses or hair accessories).

In addition to preparing boxes the Castletown based company also became a drop off location for the south of the island (as previously there has not been one). To help get people in to the festive spirit the company also provided the official shoe boxes for employees and paid the ?3 per box delivery charge for all the additional boxes that were dropped at the office.

Caroline Johnson (General Manager - IOM) said: “As an international business it makes sense for our charitable activity to help people around the world too. After the success of 2014 we are delighted to be involved with Operation Christmas Child again and, as part of our ongoing commitment to the Isle of Man, to help people from across the island to spread festive cheer to children who are less fortunate.”

In total the scheme has meant that 53 boxes have been shipped from the Isle of Man to spread a little more festive cheer around the world.