Spreading Christmas Cheer!

Christmas came early in 2009 for more than 350 disadvantaged children across the world - thanks to the generosity and goodwill of local communities in Birmingham.

In the two months leading up to Christmas, individuals and groups dropped off present-filled shoeboxes to Heartlands Ford showrooms in Erdington, Perry Barr and Tamworth which once again opened up their doors as part of the annual ‘Operation Christmas Child’ appeal.

Heartlands Ford acted as a collection point for the appeal run by the Samaritan’s Purse; which brings joy and happiness to children in hospitals, orphanages, refugee camps, homeless shelters and impoverished neighbourhoods in some of the world’s poorest countries.

Nigel Vollrath, General Manager at Heartlands Ford said: “This was the fourth year that we have taken part in this appeal and we are delighted that we could help bring a little bit of extra happiness to so many children. It’s such a great cause and we would like to thank everyone who donated shoeboxes, in particular the Erdington Woman’s Guild and Grenfell and Saltley Baptist Churches”.

In 2008, the Samaritans Purse volunteers sent 1.2 million shoeboxes to children across Eastern Europe and Africa. Since the appeal began in 1990, more than 60 million boys and girls have received a present filled shoebox. 

All the staff had great fun getting involved themselves and agreed that the mountains of shoeboxes that were delivered, definately gave the showroom a fantastic 'Christmassy' feel!