Making a difference in somebody else’s life is made possible through the simple act of filling up a shoebox full of thoughtful items.
Volunteers with Operation Christmas Child know this kind act makes a positive impact on the child who will receive the gift, a child who is often poor, homeless, suffering from famine or natural disasters, ravages of war and living in an undeveloped country.
The program is operated by Samaritan’s Purse, an international humanitarian aid organization.
Last year, the organization hoped to reach its goal of over 100 million shoeboxes delivered since the program began in 1993. It reached beyond its goal and delivered 103,720,570. Residents in Powell River supported the initiative by giving 671 shoeboxes filled with school supplies, hygiene items, toys and many other useful items. Canadians all over the country gave 662,312 shoeboxes. Globally in 2012 eight countries gave over nine million shoeboxes to 104 countries and three territories
Samaritan’s Purse focuses on providing basic needs such as clean water, medical, disaster relief and meeting educational concerns around the world. Together, a shoebox gift gives children hope and Samaritan’s Purse gives them a future.
Western Canada’s shoebox destinations for 2013 include Argentina, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela.
Shoeboxes are available at Your Dollar Store With More in Crossroads Village, Valley Building Supplies on Padgett Road, as well as several churches and schools in the community. Also, for the third year in a row, Texada Transfer has offered to ship shoeboxes to the program’s main distributor in Courtenay free of charge.
Shoeboxes are used because their size is ideal for shipping. Keeping to that size also reduces confusion and unfairness if boxes of different sizes are delivered to the same location.
Before filling the box full of gifts, the donor needs to choose whether the box is for a boy or a girl, and an age category, two to four, five to nine or 10 to 14 years of age. The box can then be filled with simple items such as school supplies, games, balls, bar soap wrapped in a plastic bag, comb, hand towel, hair clips, a T-shirt, socks, underwear, mittens, gloves, stuffed animals, dolls, cars, jewellery or individually wrapped hard candy. Items such as war toys, scary items, playing cards, soft candy, chewing gum, toothpaste or liquids that may leak, melt, freeze or break, must not be included. For more suggestions, readers can visit Samaritan's Purse online.
Filled shoeboxes need to be returned for shipping by November 10. An amount of $7 is to be included for each box to cover shipping and other related costs. Cash or a cheque made out to Samaritan’s Purse is acceptable. A donation can also be made online.
For more information about Operation Christmas Child, readers can contact Trudy Anderson 604.485.5345 or Sharon Wright 604.485.2329.
