Right now civic groups, churches and families across America are on a hunt for shoeboxes. They don't want the shoes that might be inside, just the boxes. These boxes become vessels for sending gifts to needy children around the world through Operation Christmas Child.
OCC is a project of Samaritan's Purse, a Christian relief organization based in Boone, N.C. Shoeboxes have been bringing Christmas cheer to children affected by poverty, violence or natural disasters since 1993, when Samaritan's Purse President Rev. Franklin Graham was asked to provide Christmas gifts for children in war-torn Bosnia. As of last year, 113 million shoeboxes had been distributed in 150 countries.
A number of churches in Winnemucca and Battle Mountain are participating in OCC this year, including First Baptist, Grass Valley Baptist and D3 Church. The project is also an excellent service project for youth organizations or holiday project for families.
All that's needed is one or more empty shoeboxes and some gift items. Children who receive the shoeboxes need school supplies, hygiene items (bar soap, toothbrush and paste, comb, etc.), T-shirts and socks. Small toys give the kids great joy. (Samaritan's Purse asks that no used items, food, liquids or gels, or war-related toys are included in shoeboxes. They would also appreciate a $7 donation/box to help with shipping costs).
More details and printable box labels are available at www.samaritanspurse.org and at the north-central Nevada drop-off location, First Baptist Church in Winnemucca (623-2085). There is an online option that allows people to be notified as to where their shoebox was delivered. In recent years, some of the shoeboxes collected in Winnemucca have gone to Mexico and the Philippines.
OCC's National Collection Week is Nov. 17 - 24. First Baptist will be open a few hours each day to receive shoeboxes. A list of the times for every day are available from either of the contacts listed above.[[In-content Ad]]
