Pact launches Operation Elf 2021

Every year more than 200,000 children experience the distress and heartache of having a parent in prison. Once again, the global pandemic has had a profound effect on the criminal justice system and families' opportunities to visit loved ones have been severely limited. This is why initiatives such as Operation Elf are so important.

In previous years, Pact have collected thousands of toys and books for prisoners to give to their children at special Pact Family Days in the run-up to Christmas. This year, we are encouraging supporters to donate a Christmas-themed £10 gift card that can be distributed to mums and dads and passed on to their children in time for the big day. Prisons' Bishop for the Catholic Church, Bishop Richard Moth says:

"In the last part of this difficult year, we can begin to look forward to the celebration of the birth of Christ at Christmas.  For those families where a parent is in prison, Christmas can be a particularly painful time.  Through Pact’s Operation Elf, parishes and individuals can support prisoners to give a gift to their child, sharing a little love and joy and strengthening the family bond. This simple act can nurture the hope that redemption and a fresh start is possible. Please support Operation Elf if you can. Thank you."

You can find out more about the appeal, and pledge your support by following the link below. Please make sure your gift card(s) arrive with us before 30th November 2021 to allow our Christmas Elves to share them with mums and dads in prison to give to their children. If you have any questions, or would like to help promote the campaign, contact our Supporter Relations team on supporterrelations@prisonadvice.org.uk or by calling 020 7735 9535.