WEYBURN - Gift shoeboxes are now being collected for the annual Operation Christmas Child campaign, with the depot in Weyburn located at the Free Methodist Church.
The deadline for this year’s gift boxes will be on Saturday, Nov. 18 at 4 p.m.
Empty shoeboxes are available at the church or at the Wholesale Club, including lists of what can and cannot be included in the shoeboxes.
As an alternative, some people like to pack the gifts in a shoebox-size clear plastic container, which can also be used by the recipient’s family.
Lists of the top 100 items that can be included in a shoebox gift are available, along with a listing of what should not be included.
A suggestion is to include one “wow” item, such as a doll, soccer ball or stuffed animal.
The list of things to avoid include toothpaste, all candy, capsules, dice, feathers, food, glow sticks, knives, liquids (like soap, shampoo, bubble bath), makeup, medicines, play money, perfume sticks, vitamins or anything war-related, like toy guns.
Items which can be included range from baby powder and wet wipes, balloons, candles, deodorant, school supplies to sanitary napkins or tampons, sewing kits, silly putty, plush animals, bars of soap, flip-flops, jigsaw puzzles, nail clippers, skipping rope, wax crayons or winter clothing.
Each box should include a $10 donation to cover the cost of shipping. A tax receipt is available for donations of $20 or more.
Once all the boxes are collected at the Weyburn depot, they will be shipped to Calgary to Samaritan’s Purse headquarters to be checked over, and from there will be shipped to a developing country to be delivered to children, most of whom would not otherwise receive any Christmas gifts.
