The Operation Christmas Child (OCC) campaign is now underway in the East Kootenay. Members of your family can enjoy collecting small gifts to be sent to needy children living in desperate situations, to developing countries of the world.
Pick-up a free decorated shoebox from participating businesses, schools and churches in the East Kootenay. Simply fill the shoebox with small gifts for a boy or girl between the ages of two and 14 years. The age of the child is your choice.
“Each shoebox has a brochure with a list of recommended items and items that should not be put in the shoebox,” said volunteer Garry Keiver. “No war toys like tanks and guns. Some of these kids see enough of that sadly in their day to day life.”
Kenya and Paraguay are two of 43 countries that receive these shoe boxes. Do not put in perishables or items that will melt like chocolate or lip balm. While toothbrushes might be a good gift, customs will not allow toothpaste.
Filled shoeboxes must be returned to a drop-off centre by November 24.
OCC, organized by Samaritan’s Purse and community volunteers, is the world’s largest children’s Christmas project.
Since it began in 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered over one hundred million gift filled shoeboxes destined for needy children in various countries. Last year approximately 4,200 shoeboxes were collected in the East Kootenay.
Pick-up and drop-off centers in the Elk Valley are Fernie Extra Foods and Overwaitea Foods, Sparwood Overwaitea Foods and East Kootenay Community Credit Union in Elkford.
For more information, go to www.samaritanspurse.ca