Dropoff dates for Operation Christmas Child drawing near
By Staff Reports
Published in News on November 8, 2009 1:50 AM
Christmas is coming and supporters of Operation Christmas Child are hoping people are 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 will start soon and but contributors are being encouraged to be 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 to 4 years old, 5 to 9 years old or 10 to 14 years old.
A donation of $7 is asked for each box to help pay for shipping.
Organizers are asking that people get their boxes in by the deadlines so that they can reach their destinations by Christmas. The last day for collections is currently scheduled for Nov. 23.
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 to 8 p.m.
*Tuesday, Nov. 17, 10 a.m. until noon, and from 2 to 6 p.m.
*Wednesday, Nov. 18, 3 to 8 p.m.
*Thursday, Nov. 19, 2 to 6 p.m.
*Friday, Nov. 20, 3 to 5 p.m
*Saturday, Nov. 21, 10 to 11 a.m.
*Sunday, Nov. 22, 3 to 8 p.m.
*Monday, Nov. 23, 11 a.m. until noon
Boxes can be shipped directly to Samaritan's Purse at 801 Bamboo Road, Boone, N.C. 28607.