It’s time to pack a shoebox!
Good news. Great joy. That is the message that is being used again this year to promote the annual Operation Christmas Child program. 2014 marks the 21st anniversary of Operation Christmas Child and if you haven’t participated in this program before, then what a better year to begin!
Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse. According to their website, Samaritan’s Purse Canada is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization that has been providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world since 1970. They partner with supporters in Canada and with local organizations (usually churches) abroad to provide compassionate and cost-effective assistance to anyone who needs it, regardless of religion, race, gender or socio-economic standing.
This year shoeboxes will be distributed in countries in Africa and Haiti.
The Town Crier is proud to have been involved with Operation Christmas Child for the past number of years. You can drop into our office for all the information and empty shoeboxes. (Info and shoeboxes are also available at Stewart’s Town & Country Market, Mildmay.)
Packing a shoebox is very easy, and does not have to be expensive. Just follow these easy steps!
1. SELECT A SHOEBOX
Use a regular-sized shoebox or shoebox-sized plastic box. If wrapping your shoebox, please wrap the lid separately.
2. BOY OR GIRL?
Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child’s age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14.
3. FILL YOUR SHOEBOX
Fill your shoebox with a well-balanced variety of items from the following categories:
-School supplies – Items such as pencils, pens, pencil crayons, note pads, and picture books
-Toys & other gifts – Items such as stuffed animals, small musical instruments, hair clips, toy jewellery, t-shirts, socks, and candy (loose, individually wrapped hard candy in a sealable bag)
-Hygiene items – Please place soap in a sealable bag
-Personal note – Include a personal note and/or a photo in your shoebox (not inside the donation envelope)
DO NOT INCLUDE:
-Toothpaste (due to customs regulations)
-Food and any chewy, crumbly, or soft candy: Including gum (due to customs regulations)
-Used items (due to customs regulations)
-Playing cards (other card games such as UNO are allowed)
-Liquids or items that could leak, melt, freeze, or break – Shampoo, creams, lip balm, bath gels, mirrors, or glass, etc. (these can damage other items in the shoe box).
-Items that can scare or harm a child – War-related toys, knives, and toy guns, etc.
Please note that using a backpack instead of a shoebox is problematic because it creates unfair circumstances at distribution events. Backpacks can also cause problems when cartons are being packed, and when shipments are going through customs.
If you have any questions, or need some help, give Karen or Susan a call at the Town Crier (519-367-2681) or drop into our office located at 100 Elora Street in Mildmay.
The deadline for dropping off your filled shoebox is 12 noon on Wednesday, November 19th
