Fort Macleod Alliance Church is once again spearheading the local Operation Christmas Child initiative.
Operation Christmas Child is an annual initiative of Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief organization that works in more than 100 countries.
Last year, Canadians filled more than 413,000 shoeboxes with gifts that shared God’s love and hope with struggling children in West Africa and Central America.
Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and distributed almost 200-million shoebox gifts in more than 100 countries.
“It seems the world’s greatest need over the past few years has been hope,” said Kendra Shields, acting director of Operation Christmas Child. “This is the essence of Operation Christmas Child.”
“Every shoebox gift is an opportunity for a child to learn that he or she matters to Canadians and most importantly, matters to God. That’s why I urge everyone to help as many children in need as possible by packing shoeboxes.”
Fort Macleod and district residents can pick up shoeboxes and a list of materials to be included at Fort Macleod Alliance Church, 1716 7A Ave.
Collection week for the shoeboxes is Nov. 14-20, but they can be dropped off at the church from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Thursday or on Sunday mornings during the 10 a.m. service.
People can also pack a shoebox on-line at packabox.ca.
The deadline for droping off shoeboxes is Sunday, Nov. 20 for shipping to a collection point in Calgary.
The shoeboxes can contain personal care items such as a comb, hairbrush, toothbrush, washcloth, adhesive bandages , reusable plastic containers such as a: cup, water bottle, plate, bowl, blunt-edged utensils and a blanket.
Toys such as a foam ball, soccer ball with a manual air pump, finger puppets, Slinky, small kite, Etch a Sketch and interactive toys that include push buttons, lights and noise — with extra batteries — can be included.
Clothing and accessories such as shirts and pants, loose-fitting sundresses, underwear, shoes and socks, flip-flops, hats, scarfs, mittens, sunglasses, tote bags and purse, hair bows and friendship bracelets are acceptable.
Organizers also recommend including crafts and activities, pencils and a small manual sharpener, coloured pencils, pencil case, crayons, markers, pens, colouring pads and books, picture books, notebooks, glue sticks, small adhesive tape, watercolour sets, finger paint, paint brushes, Playdough, stickers and skipping ropes
Items such as dolls, a soccer ball with a manual air pump, stuffed animals and small musical instruments are encouraged.
Shoeboxes should not include war-related items such as toy guns, knives, or military figures; chocolate or food; fruit rolls or other fruit snacks; drink mixes (powdered or liquid); liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers; or aerosol cans.
