Heather Latter
With Christmas less than three months away, “Operation Christmas Child,” the annual shoebox campaign, is now underway.
The campaign, conducted by Samaritan’s Purse, sends shoeboxes full of small gifts to children in countries ravaged by war, poverty, famine, and natural disasters.
Last year, 640,714 shoeboxes were collected in Canada, with 458 provided from Rainy River District.
“Our numbers were so incredible. I was so happy last year,” enthused Della McQuaker, who is the local area collection co-ordinator.
“If we could just match that, I’d be ecstatic,” she added. “But if we exceed that number, that would be great, too.”
McQuaker is hoping there may be more participation this year as a new collection and drop-off centre was added at Quetico North Outfitters’ for residents in the Atikokan area.
“We got about 30 boxes from Atikokan last year, so we’re trying a little harder to get more attention about it out there,” she explained.
The main collection centre for the area again will be at Bethel Baptist Church on Morrison Crescent here (behind the Adventure Inn).
Other area collection centres are located at Northland Basics and The Bargain Shop in Fort Frances, Tompkins Hardware and Calvary Baptist Church in Emo, and Trinity Lutheran in Bergland.
McQuaker noted a packing party will be held at Bethel Baptist Church next Wednesday (Oct. 26) from 2-7 p.m. for anyone interesting in helping pack up shoeboxes.
“People are welcome to bring items or to just come help pack,” she said, adding it also is a good time for any individuals or groups who want information about the campaign to drop by.
Or if people are looking to pick up boxes, posters, balloons, and magnets to promote the campaign.
McQuaker said community groups, churches, and schools can call ahead and have a materials package made ready for pick-up or to arrange delivery.
“We would love to share the behind-the-scene information with [‘Operation Christmas Child’] enthusiasts that is available only to the area collection co-ordinator,” she remarked.
“The 2011 O.C.C. promotional video will be ready to view on our PowerPoint system.
“[It] shows the impact this gift gives to those who receive gift-filled boxes,” she noted.
McQuaker also said they will have the “Veggie Tales” Christmas video available to view for anyone who wants to bring their children along.
There also will be Christmas cookies and beverages.
“It’s also a really good way to teach children about compassion,” she stressed.
Participants of any age can fill shoeboxes with a variety of school supplies, small toys, hygiene products, and even a personal note or photo.
“These boxes travel around the world using every form of transportation imaginable, from trucks to boats to planes to the backs of camels, to be dispersed to children of Third World countries,” McQuaker explained.
“Many of the children who receive a shoebox from ‘Operation Christmas Child’ are being given the first gift they have ever received.”
Countries that will receive a shipment of shoeboxes from Canada this year include Costa Rica, Guatemala, Haiti, Nicaragua, Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay, Venezuela, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Senegal, and Sierra Leone.
National Collection Week is Nov. 21-27, but McQuaker is asking for all area boxes to be in by Nov. 25.
Donations also are welcomed to cover the suggested $7 donation for each shoebox for project costs, including shipping.
People also are invited to pack a “virtual” shoebox by giving online through the O.C.C. website at www.samaritanspurse.ca/Operation-Christmas-Child
For more information, contact McQuaker at 486-3595 or Pastor Dave Groff at 274-5569.
