Pact, the Prison Advice and Care Trust, have reported a fabulous response from diocesan parishes and schools to their Operation Elf Christmas appeal. Operation Elf is a way to support prisoners to give a Christmas gift to their child, strengthening family bonds at this important time of the year.

Fr Julio and Alice De Lima at Sacred Heart Parish in Sunningdale were moved to bring Operation Elf to the attention of parishioners. An amazing £1000 was contributed to the appeal. Alice will be visiting HMP Coldingley on their Christmas Family Visit Day to represent the parish.

Pact staff at HMP Downview have also received gift cards which will be shared with prisoners for them to give to their children at a specially arranged Christmas Family Visit Day.  The cards were donated by a local school after the Year 6 Chaplaincy Team organised a whole school chocolate raffle. Their efforts raised £1,101 which bought 101 gift cards.

Pact Services Manager Nikki said:

"It means a great deal to prisoners and their families to know people on the outside are glad to help them. It is a privilege to witness families come together on a Christmas visit. Being able to give the prisoners a chance to give a gift to their children is such a special part of the day. I would like to thank each and every donor for their generosity, it means so much."

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