GAZETTE & HERALD: An Islamic group opposed to Operation Christmas Child has criticised Corsham Town Council for acting as a collection point for the shoeboxes.
In an article on its website www.inminds.co.uk the Innovative Minds group has launched a campaign saying the people behind Operation Christmas Child are forcing Christianity on vulnerable children in shattered countries.
After the group sent a letter to the council, councillors at a meeting last Wednesday unanimously agreed to keep the town hall as a collection point.
Last Christmas 200 boxes were delivered to the town hall.
Councillor Jock Fraser said: "We are the only collection point in Corsham. The boxes are going out to places throughout the world to children. I've heard no other complaints from any other people on this."
The Innovative Minds website calls Christmas Child a vile venture that bribes children away from their parents' religion.
But Samaritans Purse says: "Operation Christmas Child is a Christian ministry that on the giving and receiving ends is open to people from all walks of life, faith, race and ethnic backgrounds."
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