It’s time to get shoeboxes ready for Operation Christmas Child

Before the turkey, stuffing and rolls of Thanksgiving and the tags, bows and bags of Christmas, let the shoeboxes of Operation Christmas Child begin.

For the fifth year, local humanitarian Wendy Curran will be asking Warren countians to open their huge hearts to help those who have small hands.

Curran has received a tremendous amount of support in her effort to bring just a little Christmas cheer to less fortunate children in more than 90 countries. That support was felt more than ever last year when the amount more than doubled from the previous year.

By the final collection day in 2006, there were 2,210 boxes received compared to the 2005 total of 1,041. In all, 7.2 million were collected from all participating countries.

‘Our goal this year is 3,000,’ said Curran. ‘I think we can reach that easy. People were so giving last year. I had wonderful volunteers. You can only imagine what a difference one box can make in the life of a child who will receive very little or nothing for Christmas.’

Getting involved is easy and fun. Families can teach their children the joy of giving by allowing them to collect their own items and donate a shoebox. Individuals can do the same or start their own collection at church, work, or through a civic group.

The program is organized nationally by Samaritain’s Purse, a global Christian-based project which supplies impoverished children throughout the world, including the United States, with a touch of Christmas spirit.

Getting involved is easy. Wrap an empty shoebox with the lid separate from the base, decide the gender and age group of the intended recipient, either 2 to 4, 5 to 9, or 10 to 14, and fill it up.

Suitable items: Small toys, dolls, stuffed animals, coloring books, toothbrush, toothpaste, bar soap, comb, washcloth, hard candy, socks, shirts, gloves and school supplies such as paper, pencils, sharpener, crayons and solar calculator.

Not suitable items: Used items, damaged items, war-related items like toy guns, knives or military issues, perishable foods like chocolate, liquids, lotions, medicines, vitamins, breakable items and aerosol cans.

Please include a family photo and a note of encouragement. When filled and securely closed with an elastic band, mark on the outside the age and gender of the child it’s intended for before turning it in. It is asked, but not required, to make a $7 donation to Samaritan’s Purse to help with shipping.

Caney Fork Electric Company will be the spot to drop off shoeboxes this year. This year’s drop off will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Nov. 12-18.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Curran at 815-3904 or stop by the program’s Autumn Street Fair booth on Oct. 6. She is also available for presentations to groups who want to get involved.