Operation Christmas Child still seeking shoe box donations
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on October 29, 2006 2:00 AM
Individuals, church groups, businesses and civic clubs are urged to contribute to the annual Operation Christmas Child campaign sponsored by Samaritan's Purse.
The Christian organization distributes shoe boxes filled with gifts to thousands of needy children around the world.
In Wayne County, groups and individuals are urged to collect shoeboxes and fill them with treats, small toys and personal hygiene items and drop them off at Adamsville Baptist Church fellowship hall during the hours specified below.
*Monday, Nov. 13, Tues-day, Nov. 14 and Wednesday, Nov. 15, from 3-7 p.m.
*Thursday, Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. until noon, or from 3-6 p.m.
*Friday, Nov. 17, from 3-6 p.m.
*Saturday, Nov. 18, from 2-5 p.m.
*Sunday, Nov. 19, from 3-8 p.m.
Items will be shipped Monday, Nov. 20.
Boxes should be created with either a boy or girl of a specific age in mind, 2-4, 5-9 or 10-14. Boxes should be labeled with the child's sex and age and a rubber band wrapped around them to ensure they do not spill. A donation of $7 to help pay for shipping is also encouraged.
Acceptable items include: balls, dolls, stuffed animals, small cars, kazoos, harmonicas, jump ropes, pencils, pens, stamp and ink sets, writing pads, coloring books, toothbrushes and toothpaste, combs, washcloth, soap in a plastic bag, hard candy (double-bagged), T-shirts, socks, caps, sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches and flashlights. Include batteries if they are needed.
Donors are also encouraged to include a note to the child, along with a photo of the giver. If you include an address, a child might write back.
Items that should not be included are toy guns or military figures, soft candy, liquids or lotions, breakable items or aerosol cans.
Organizers of the Wayne County drive say they are hoping to collect 6,000 shoe boxes for shipment by Nov. 20.
Newton Grove Baptist Church in Newton Grove is also serving as a collection point for gift shoeboxes. They can be dropped off at Newton Grove Baptist on Monday, Nov. 13, from 9-11 a.m.; Tuesday, Nov. 14, from 9-11 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 15, from 9-11 a.m.; Thursday, Nov. 16, from 9-11 a.m.; Friday, Nov. 17, from 9-11 a.m.; Saturday, Nov. 18 from 1-4 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 19, from 12:30 p.m. until 3 p.m.
Samaritan's Purse is one of the world's most recognized and efficient charities. It is led by the Rev. Franklin Graham. It has only 76 paid employees worldwide but more than 50,000 volunteers.