WEYBURN - Operation Christmas Child, the annual campaign to create shoebox gifts for overseas children in need, is underway in the Weyburn area. The depot for the Christmas Child shoebox gifts is once again at the Weyburn Free Methodist Church, with the deadline set for Saturday, Nov. 19.
Shoeboxes and guidelines for what to include or exclude are available at the church, or at a display table at the Wholesale Club.
Red and green boxes are available at these locations, or a donor could use a similar-sized plastic container or shoebox.
The recommendation is to include a “wow” item, such as a doll, soccer ball and pump, or a stuffed animal. The box can then include other small fun toys, hygiene items and school supplies.
The national organizers of Operation Christmas Child, Samaritan’s Purse, are also requesting that each box include a $10 donation to help cover the expenses of shipping the boxes to their overseas destinations.
The list of items which can be included suggests things like baby powder and baby wipes, balloons, Bibles, chalk, deodorant, glue sticks, a compact mirror, play dough, sanitary napkins or tampons, scissors, sewing kits, a bar of soap, toys, wax crayons and winter clothing.
Items to avoid include all candy, camouflage, Christmas crackers, decks of cards, dice, firecrackers, food, knives, liquids (like shampoo, conditioners or body wash), makeup, medicine, play money, perfume sticks, seeds, sea shells, toothpaste, or any war-related toys.
There is online option to Pack a Shoebox available at www.packabox.samaritanspurse.ca. Residents who choose to “Pack a Box for Me,” can also choose to “Follow Your Shoebox” and will receive an email when information on the country where shoebox(es) will be sent becomes available.
.png;w=120;h=80;mode=crop)
