Dropoff deadline for Operation Christmas Child is approaching
By Staff Reports
Published in News on November 1, 2009 1:50 AM
Christmas is still a while off, but supporters of Operation Christmas Child are hoping people are already preparing shoe boxes of goodies for children around the world.
Adamsville Baptist Church on North Berkeley Boulevard has been designated as an official collection center for the annual campaign, which is run by Samaritan's Purse and directed by Franklin Graham, the son of the Rev. Billy Graham.
Collections start in November and contributors are being encouraged to start putting together boxes of toys, personal hygiene items and school supplies now.
A standard size shoe box is best suited, or a container of a similar size. Wrapping is not required.
What is required is the choosing of a box for a boy or a girl, and a specific age: 2-4 years old, 5-9 years old or 10-14 years old.
A donation of $7 is asked for each box to help pay for shipping. Boxes can be dropped off at collection centers in November.
Organizers emphasized the need to start now in order for the boxes to reach their destinations by Christmas.
Operation Christmas Child officials have asked that toy guns, knives and military figures not be included.
Also, they ask that no used or damaged toys or other items be included, neither should liquids nor chocolate candy, medications or vitamins of any kind, aerosol cans nor breakable items.
Items that do make good gifts include school supplies of all kinds, including pencils, paper, crayons, coloring books, stamp sets and solar calculators; toys such as balls, dolls, stuffed animals, harmonicas and kazoos, yo-yos and jump ropes; hygiene items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, washclothes and soap in a plastic bag.
Hard candy is all right, but should be placed in a plastic bag. T-shirts, socks, ball caps, sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry and flashlights with extra batteries also make excellent gifts.
When full, boxes should be wrapped with a rubber band.
These are the dates and times that boxes can be dropped off at the church:
*Monday, Nov. 16, from 2-8 p.m.
*Tuesday, Nov. 17, 10 a.m. until noon, and from 2-6 p.m.
*Wednesday, Nov. 18, 3-8 p.m.
*Thursday, Nov. 19, 2-6 p.m.
*Friday, Nov. 20, 3-5 p.m
*Saturday, Nov. 21, 10-11 a.m.
*Sunday, Nov. 22, 3-8 p.m.
*Monday, Nov. 23, 11 a.m. until noon
Boxes also can be shipped directly to Samaritan's Purse at 801 Bamboo Road, Boone, N.C. 28607.