Miss England 2025 Semi Finalist Abigail Thomas is spreading the true spirit of giving
this festive season by inviting all this year’s national finalists to join her in supporting
Operation Christmas Child, a wonderful initiative by the Samaritan’s Purse Christian
charity. The finalists & Miss England team are all invited to bring a shoebox to
registration at the Grand Station Wolverhampton on November 20 th 2025.
The project partners with churches across the world to share joy and kindness by
delivering shoeboxes filled with simple gifts to children in need — many of whom
may never have received a present before.
“Operation Christmas Child is a beautiful opportunity to bless children across the
world by bringing them some joy and hope,” says Abigail. “The Bible reminds us that
‘it is more blessed to give than to receive’ — and that’s what this project is all about.
Through a small sacrifice of time and thought, we can make a huge difference in a
child’s life.”
Abigail, whose father is a minister at a small church in Birmingham, recently shared
a heartfelt video showing how her family prepared their own shoeboxes. The idea
quickly inspired the Miss England organisation to get involved.
“I wanted to encourage others to make a box too,” Abigail adds. “Our church is small
— just a handful of members — but we wanted to do something meaningful. I’m so
grateful to Miss England Director Angie Beasley for supporting me, and to
Samaritan’s Purse for making it all possible.”
Every shoebox is given unconditionally — chosen purely on the basis of need,
regardless of race, religion, gender, or background, and without expecting anything
in return. Each box represents hope, kindness, and the reminder that someone
cares.
One shoebox = one child who will always remember the Christmas that you cared
How You Can Help Use a medium sized shoebox wrapping the top and bottom separately in bright
paper A donation on £5 is requested to cover the project costs. You can put this inside your
box or pay online Miss England finalists and supporters can bring your box to Abigail at the Miss
England Registration by packing a shoebox this season.
Items can include:
School supplies (pens, pencils, notebooks)
Toys and small games
Hygiene items (soap, toothbrush, comb)
Socks, gloves or small clothing items
A personal note or card “One shoebox can change a life,” says Angie Beasley. “It’s a
wonderful example of the Beauty with a Purpose ethos in action.”
Scan the QR code on the Samaritans leaflet to Learn How to Pack a Shoebox
