Last week the Gazette reported how protesting parents are calling on a school to abandon its support for a charity’s shoebox appeal which they fear is used to convert impoverished children to Christianity.

The initiative is held annually by charity Samaritan’s Purse, which has attracted controversy for its central mission of converting impoverished children to its cause.

Here are your letters on the story.

Don’t deny children their joy

I WRITE regarding “Parent in protest over shoebox charity appeal” (Gazette, Page 7, November 14).

Humanists have every right to deny the love of God and to seek to oppose expression of it.

However, to take their hatred out on some of the world’s poorest children is exceptionally mean.

The shoebox contents do include toys, mainly cuddly, but are largely what we in the west consider essentials, toothbrush, comb, scarf, torch etc.

The inclusion of Christian literature to tell the children of God’s love for them is perfectly in keeping with giving at Christmas, which is after all a reminder of God’s great gift to us.

It would not be so cruel if these humanists were to replace the gifts they have taken from the children with something else, but there is no evidence of any such giving.

I suppose if one rejects God’s command to love one another there is no reason to do so.

It will be interesting to see which of the charities started by Christians they seek to attack next. Foodbanks? Hospices?

Ray Cantrell Guildford Road, Colchester

Shoebox presents bring such joy to children at Christmas

I WAS very surprised to read the headlines in Thursday's Gazette about the parents who complained about shoe boxes (Page 7, "Parents in protest over shoebox charity appeal").

If they had been on the Samaritan's Purse website they would have seen: "Operation Christmas Child send a message of hope to children around the world through gift-filed shoe boxes.

"All boxes are given to the neediest children regardless of nationality, political background or religious belief, asking nothing in return.

"Your shoe box will make a child feel special and valued and let them know that you care for them.2

I have been involved with filling shoe boxes for many years and will continue to do so until it is no longer operating.

I have spoken to folk who have actually been abroad to deliver them and have been told that the poverty witness was heartbreaking.

The look on the children's faces when they receive is very emotional and brought tears to their eyes.

One child recently said to me that it was fun filling the box and show that someone was sending them "love in a box".

A lot of older folk knit hats, gloves and scarves all year round; it gives them a purpose to use their talents and fell valued.

Do these parents give their children Christmas presents? Have a tree? Go to parties and join in activities at school at this time of year?

Everyone has a choice and should be allowed to follow their conscience to do what they like.

Pamela Soames, Colchester

Lots of alternatives are non-religous

I AM writing as I don’t think Ray Cantrell (Letters, November 15) has quite grasped the issue.

It isn’t about not wanting to give gifts to children and denying them joy.

That the shoeboxes are going to countries where Christianity may not be the main religion, with evangelising literature to try to persuade the children to become Christians, can result in children and their parents falling out over their religion.

Not particularly joyous.

As mentioned in the article, there are alternative schemes that can be used.

Ed Loach, Gorse Lane, Clacton

Even the smallest gift brings so much joy

RE the article in the Gazette on November 14 - parents appeal at shoebox appeal ‘hidden agenda’.

It was with sadness I read about this. I have been involved with the shoebox appeal for several years.

We are given guidelines as what can and cannot be put in the shoeboxes, and there is no way we can put anything Christian in them.

The books are given out separately with the permission of the parents.

To see the joy on the children’s’ faces is a great delight, even the smallest gift brings so much joy.

Mrs B Berry, Old Road, Clacton