Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

In January I am going to Belarus on an Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Distribution Trip. I will be travelling with a team of 11 and we will be visiting orphanges, schools, hospitals and homes to give children, who wouldn't otherwise have a present at Christmas, a gift.

For me this is a dream coming true. When I was in my early teens I developed a huge desire (which I believe was God given) to help children living less privileged lives than my own. I have always thought that Operation Christmas Child (OCC) is a great project and two years ago I became a Registered Volunteer. OCC deliver shoeboxes full of toys to children at Christmas time. I applied to go out to deliver the shoeboxes this Christmas and was accepted in August. I cannot believe that my dream is finally coming to life and I am so excited to learn about life in Belarus and to meet the children there.

The trip is costing me £900 which basically covers flights and accommodation and that is why I'm asking if you would be kind enough to support me as I try, in a small way, to make some children smile this Christmas.

Thank you, Mary x