Volunteers asked to fill shoe boxes for needy
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on October 24, 2004 2:08 AM
It's time again for Operation Christmas Child, a project to help needy children.
And Adamsville Baptist Church will continue to serve as a relay center for the project. The church will receive shoe boxes filled with items from Nov. 15 through 20.
The project, sponsored by Samaritan's Purse, provides opportunities for people of all ages to participate in a single, hands-on outreach that uses gift-filled shoe boxes to share the true meaning of Christmas. Franklin Graham is CEO of Samaritan's Purse.
Wayne County individuals, families, churches, schools, civic organizations, and other groups gave over 5,000 shoe boxes in 2003. The goal for 2004 is 6,500 shoe boxes.
The international goal is 7 million.
Packing shoe boxes
Here's how to pack a shoe box:
1. Find an empty shoe box. You can wrap it -- lid separately -- but wrapping is not required, or use a plastic shoe box.
2. Decide whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl and the age category -- 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Tape gender and age on top of the box.
3. Fill the box with a variety of gifts using the list below as a guide. In a separate envelope you may enclose a note or photo of yourself or your family.
4. Enclose a check for $5 or more in an envelope to help cover shipping and other costs. Make checks payable to "Samaritan's Purse" and note on the memo line that the gift is for Operation Christmas Child. Place the envelope on top of the gift items inside the shoe box. Then place the lid on the box with a rubber band around it.
5. Deliver to Adamsville Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 1302 N. Berkeley Blvd., the week of November 15-21 during the following hours:
*Monday, Nov. 15, from 3 to 7 p.m.
*Tuesday, Nov. 16, from 10:30 a.m. to noon and 3 to 7 p.m.
*Wednesday, Nov. 17, 3 to 7 p.m.
*Thursday, Nov. 18, 10 a.m. to noon and 3 to 6 p.m.
*Friday, Nov. 19, 3 to 6 p.m.
*Saturday, Nov. 20, 2 to 5 p.m.
*Sunday, Nov. 21, 1 to 3 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m.
*Monday, Nov. 22, closed for shipping.
Suggested gifts
*Toys -- small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky, etc.
*School supplies -- pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, coloring books, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, etc.
*Hygiene items -- toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc.
*Other -- hard candy, lollipops, mints, gum, sunglasses, flashlights (with extra batteries), ball caps, socks, T-shirts, toy jewelry, hair clips, watches, small picture books, etc.
Do NOT include
*Used items.
*War-related items: toy guns, knives, etc.
*Chocolate or perishable food items.
*Liquids -- shampoo, liquid soap, lotion, bubbles, etc.
*Medicines -- vitamins, cough drops, ointment, etc.
*Breakable items -- mirrors, china dolls snow globes, etc.
For additional information, call 1-800-353-5949 or locally at 778-4150.