Thousands of poor children will have special sporty presents this Christmas. It will be thanks to a unique partnership between More Than Gold and the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child shoebox appeal.

Every year over 1 million gift-filled shoeboxes reach children around the world through Operation Christmas Child. This year, to mark the coming Olympics, people are being asked to include sporty gifts that share both the love of God and the joy of sport.

Explaining the reason for the partnership, More Than Gold’s CEO David Willson says, ‘For children everywhere sport can be huge fun, particularly team sports. And it leads to improved health, builds character and develops community. So here is the perfect way for every church to leave a legacy from the 2012 Games’.

For Operation Christmas Child, Brian Bennett the Head of Communications and International Ministry says, ‘Operation Christmas Child is also a great way for a church to reach out to their local community – inviting them to be part of a worthy and feel-good cause in the run-up to Christmas.’

Brian adds, ‘We hope churches will launch their engagement with the 2012 Games by holding a special sports-themed shoebox event, bringing them and their community together once all the shoeboxes have been packed and collected.’

The Sporty Shoebox Appeal runs until 18 November. There is a DVD to help churches capture the excitement and simplicity of the initiative. More information as at www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk/sporty-shoeboxes