MORE than 130 shoe-boxes were filled by children and churchgoers with hats, scarves, soap, flannels and other small essentials to be sent to help those living in poverty. Fairplace Church in Okehampton was again the focal point for Operation Christmas Child. Other items filling up the boxes included toothbrushes, toothpaste, small toys, pens, pencils, note pads, hair slides, combs and sweets. The boxes, together with 20 others from the town, were collected and taken to the distribution centre in Exeter from where they will be forwarded to needy children in theThird World. l The children of Fairplace Church will be presenting their nativity on Sunday, December 17 at 10.30am. This year, the youngsters will tell the story of an angel who knew there was something special going on and set off to find out what it was. All the children will be taking part and everybody is welcome to come along and enjoy the performance. l The candlelight carol service at Fairplace Church will be on Christmas Eve (December 24) at 6.30pm. As usual, there will be carols and readings from the children, the choir and instrumentalists, plus carols for all to sing.
