Wathalls Collect Lifeline Gifts For Children Worldwide

Derby and Ashbourne family-owned funeral directors G.Wathall & Son Ltd have collected more than 650 shoeboxes of Christmas gifts, hygiene and school supplies which are now being shipped around the world to children in need.

The funeral directors have been involved with Operation Christmas Child run by charity Samaritan’s Purse for the past five years – collecting and storing shoeboxes at its offices in Macklin Street, Derby, and Union Street, Ashbourne, and then delivering to the charity’s local warehouse.

The business says that there has been the best response ever from staff, families, schools, churches and fellow businesses in St Peters Quarter who have donated boxes for the annual appeal.

G.Wathall & Son Managing Director Helen Wathall said: “Operation Christmas Child is a simple way of putting together a box of Christmas toys and essential supplies that will be so gratefully received by a child across the world.

“We are delighted with the response from the Derby and Ashbourne communities. Some of our staff have also been involved in checking and sealing the boxes in the main warehouse before they leave on their journeys overseas to around 150 countries where children are affected by poverty, disease and war.

“The staff said it made them feel so honoured and what better way could there be to get in to the Christmas spirit knowing the joy that box will give to a needy child.”