First Day in Full Production

09.30 and We're Off

"Phew" … the first day is always the hardest, we ask ourselves "Have we got it right?" "Have we remembered everything?"  Anyway, doors opened, people came in, training took place and thankfully, despite some of the ongoing problems, everybody started to do the job they came to do, checking the shoeboxes.
It was like a family reunion, loads of familiar faces, in fact all but one! When we asked at the coffee break if there was anyone new, only one person in the room put their hand up. It's great to have new people, but what an honour that over 60 of our volunteers are so dedicated and come year after year.
So now we are buzzing…..

Turn on the Tap
Turn on the Tap is another major project of Samaritans Purse, helping to bring clean water to the developing world, a fantastic and vital project in many, many ways. Today in Guildford we were so happy that after four days we were "turned on" by Ralph, the plumber who got us connected.
Ralph enjoyed the challenge of finding that hidden stop cock which prevented us from getting our water supply, when he found it he felt great but it was the cheer that erupted from everyone that lifted him to hero status. 

Keith Mortimer one of our volunteers (another hero), after much determination,  had sorted the electrics out, so we were walking on air…… then we found the leaks… come back Ralph.

Sales Tables
The sales tables are up and running, with a difference this year. We have included some homemade Christmas cards, all made by our volunteers of course. Every penny goes to the shoeboxes as we didn't have to buy any materials, so what you pay goes directly to, yes you've guessed it, more boxes. 
Another addition is the opportunity to buy your own shoebox, already made up for £10, the best bargain this year. Most people make their own. However, there are people who cannot make their own for different reasons….. so we've done it for you. A box collected, wrapped, fully complete with the contents and £3.00 carriage included. If you gift aid the donation then we will be able to claim tax relief too.