Between December 2020 and February 2021, we are preparing thousands of boxes for children around the world using our socially distanced processing model. There will be plenty of fun and music so book in and come have a great time blessing children who have so little.

How to book your free sessions to check shoeboxes at the Processing Centre

 Simply select the date you’re interested in and then click ‘Register’ to see and select tickets for each shift (NB they will all initially be listed as "10am" but once you select them the later shifts become visible as well). You can book multiple shifts on one day but to book for different days you will need to start from the home page again.

Please note that this Eventbrite booking secures your "slot" but in order to enter the premises we will need each member of your party to have registered using the link detailed further below. This will only need doing once this year but please try and do this before you attend the centre as it may save you a lot of time.

Covid-Secure Arrangements

It will not surprise you that our systems are a little different this year but you will be pleased to know that during an August testing session in the Midlands we were inspected by the local public health authorities who were delighted with our preparations. 

a) No more than two people , socially distanced, on a table unless a group is already a household or support bubble.  If you will coming as a group (3-6 people) who can all share the same table please just book two tickets.

b) All volunteers in our processing centres must wear face coverings. We would encourage you to bring your own but can provide some if needed.

c) We apologise but will not be able to provide drinks this year.  Your lunch, if staying, will need to be eaten at your table or outside in your car. There is a McDonald’s, Subway, Costa Coffee and M&S Food store just 5 minutes’ walk (or 2 minutes’ drive) from the warehouse.

d) For everyone's safety, coats and bags will need to stay with you under your table or in your car. 

e) To maintain social distancing, when you arrive, we may ask you to wait in your car until we come and get you. This is to ensure 2m distancing when registering.

f) If you are displaying any symptoms of Covid-19, even if you have not been tested yet or they are mild, then we ask you not to attend the Centre and where possible please cancel your booking on-line so someone else can use your slot. We will be asking you to take a distanced temperature test when you arrive.

Registration

We will need individual details of all participants as part of the Government's Track and Trace requirements. Once you have booked your block of tickets please use the following link to book yourself in and send the link on to anyone else in your party who is 16 or over. For under 16's there is some simple paperwork that will need to be completed for them by a parent or guardian when they arrive.

https://airtable.com/shr8Ec8Lb2FRi3BPg

Entry will be completed using a QR code and a second QR code will be used when you exit the premises. If you complete your registration in advance you may print these at home enabling really speedy entry to the centre. If you are unable to do this then our reception staff will help you on your first visit.

Shielding

If you are in a shielding group (extremely clinically vulnerable) then we are sorry but we cannot accept you as a volunteer for 2020.

Aged 70 or over (clinically vulnerable)

 Current government guidance on volunteers who are 70 or over is that they can volunteer but we need to risk assess the roles available and must follow social distancing guidelines.  This means that most but not all roles will be open to you.

 Our South East Centre is open from Saturday 12th December through to Saturday 30th January (closed 24th December to 3rd January).

 On Mondays to Fridays we run 4 shifts:

 10am - 12pm, 12pm - 2pm, 2pm – 4pm & 7pm - 9pm

On Saturdays we run 3 shifts:

10am - 12pm, 12pm - 2pm, 2pm – 4pm

 We are closed on Sundays.

 Note on travel

 Trains run from London Charing Cross direct to Tonbridge every 10-15 minutes (Many stop at London Bridge) and take 41-47 minutes. The Processing centre is a 15 Minute Walk from the station or 5 minutes by taxi (a rank is adjacent to the station).

 By Car

  Tonbridge is located just 15 minutes’ drive from Junction 5 of the M25 (Sevenoaks) down the A21. The Processing centre is located in a row of warehouse units next to Screwfix and is easily visible from the A26, the main road around the East side of Tonbridge town centre. Postcode for Satnav: TN9 1SU

24 parking spaces are available in front of or near Unit 11.

Location

Operation Christmas Child, Unit 11 Deacon Trading Estate Vale RoadTonbridgeTN9 1SU