Operation Christmas Child November 20

Share the joy of giving to needy children by participating in Operation Christmas Child, the world’s largest Christmas project. Once again this year, local volunteers from around Allamakee County are being asked to gather items to share with children overseas who are suffering from disease, famine, war, terrorism and natural disaster. Through the ministry of Samaritan’s Purse, local residents have an opportunity to impact the lives of needy children around the world.
An open house will be held Friday, November 20 at the Farmers and Merchants Savings Bank Community Room in Waukon from 1-9 p.m. During this open house, shoe boxes will be wrapped and filled with donated items to be given away. All are invited to come and share in the enjoyment of giving to those in need.
The following list includes some gift ideas for the shoeboxes:
Toys - small cars, balls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch-a-Sketch, toys that light up or make noise with extra batteries, Slinkys, etc.
School Supplies - pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring or picture books.
Hygiene Items - toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, brush, washcloth, etc.
Other Items - hard candy and lollipops, mints gum, t-shirts, socks, baseball caps, sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights with extra batteries.
Do Not Include - used or damaged items, war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures, chocolate or food, liquids or lotions, medications or vitamins, breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers, aerosol cans.
In a separate envelope participants may enclose a note and or picture of themselves and their family with their address. Occasionally, a child may be able to write back.
Although collection times vary, National Collection Week for 2009 is November 16-23. Families may pack boxes for either a boy or a girl within three age groups: 2-4, 5-9 and 10-14 years old. Samaritan’s Purse asks families to include a check for $7 for each box packed to help defray shipping costs. For people wanting to underwrite the cost of shipping boxes, contributions are gratefully received and are tax deductible.
Since 1991 Operation Christmas Child has collected and hand-delivered more than 68 million shoe box gifts to kids in some 130 countries. This project is part of Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief and evangelism organization headed by Franklin Graham.
Locally, this mission party has been held for over ten years, with the number of boxes growing every year. Last year, 179 boxes were shipped. More than seven local churches or organizations participated.
Questions about local opportunities may be directed to Gloria Jackson at 563-568-6113.