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

b) 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 about ten minutes walk away and a local snack van that does fantastic wraps and burgers.

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

d) 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.

e) 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 West Midlands Centre is open until Saturday 13th February

 we will run four shifts on Wednesdays and Fridays:

10am - 1pm, 1pm - 4pm, 4pm -6pm & 7pm - 9pm

and three shifts on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursday:

10am - 1pm, 1pm - 4pm & 7pm - 9pm

 On Saturdays we run 2 shifts:

10am - 1pm & 1pm – 4pm

 We are closed on Sundays.

 Note on travel

Directions by car:

Postcode for SatNav: B69 4LT

From the M5, exit at Junction 2. At the roundabout, turn towards Wolverhampton.

From Wolverhampton pick up the Birmingham New Rd (A4123)

At the next island (Birchley Island), take the A4034 Churchbridge exit.

Take the first right turn onto Park St then take the first right onto Demuth Way.

Unit 1 is on your left. We have our own dedicated car park on the left just before the centre itself and if this is full there are a number of space on the main road but please do park considerately.

Directions by train:

Nearest station is Sandwell and Dudley and trains run about every 20 minutes to and from New Street with a journey time of about 10 minutes. This station is about 1½ miles from the processing centre.

If you are bringing shoeboxes, please report to reception first and then we will guide you to the boxes incoming door and ensure help is available to unload.

Location

Operation Christmas Child, Unit 1, Junction 2 Trading Estate, Demuth Way, Oldbury B69 4LT