Shoeboxes of goodies for holidays needed
By Staff Reports
Published in News on October 3, 2010 1:50 AM
Christmas might seem like a long way off, but local organizers of the annual Operation Christmas Child drive are hoping Wayne County residents won't wait to start putting together shoeboxes of goodies for children overseas this holiday season.
Adamsvile Baptist Church on N. Berkeley Boulevard will once again serve as a collection center for the campaign, which is a national effort led by Samaritan's Purse, the Rev. Franklin Graham's worldwide mission.
Mount Olive also will have a collection center at First Baptist Church at 300 N. Chestnut St.
Since its inception in 1977, more than 77 million shoeboxes stuffed with toys and personal hygiene items have been distributed to poor children across the globe. But that represents only 3 percent of the needy children in the world, according to the organization.
Toys related to war, such as toy guns or knives, should not be included. Neither should used toys nor breakable items, glass containers, chocolate or soft candy, medications nor vitamins nor liquids nor lotions.
Collection week will be Nov. 15-22.
Shoeboxes should contain small gifts, school supplies, personal hygiene items and donors can also send a photo and note to the child.
Boxes should be designed for a boy or girl of a specific age. The age groups are: 2-4 years old, 5-9 years old and 10-14 years old.
Trellis Phillips is serving as the collection center coordinator for Adamsville. Promotional materials, including posters and DVDs, can be obtained at the church or by calling Mrs. Phillips at 778-4150 or 920-0930. Mrs. Phillips also is available to speak to groups about the campaign.