Imagine a shoebox full of small gifts. Take that shoebox and send it around the world to be put in the hands of child in need. That’s the goal behind Operation Christmas Child, a program sponsored by Samaritan’s Purse, an international relief agency.
Organizations in Beaufort County are expected to contribute more than 10,000 boxes between the collection dates of Nov. 12 through Nov. 19, but anyone can donate their own gift. The steps are simple: find a shoebox, determine whether to donate a gift for a boy or a girl, and the child’s age category: 2–4, 5–9 or 10–14. Fill the box with appropriate gifts, include a $7 donation per box for shipping then wrap a rubber band around the box and drop off at Harvest Church.
Gift ideas include items like small toys, school supplies, personal hygiene items like toothbrush, toothpaste and washcloths, and other items: hard candy (double-bagged), T-shirts, socks, flashlights with batteries. A personal note to the child and a photo of you and your family may be included. Boxes can be wrapped, though with the lid wrapped separately.
By logging on the Samaritan’s Purse website, a gift box can be tracked to the country where the gift will be delivered.
Operation Christmas Child began in 1993 and this year, the project will have reached 100 million children, according to a press release from Samaritan’s Purse. An estimated 9 million children around the world are expected to have gift boxes delivered to them by the charity.
For more information about Operation Christmas Child, call 704-583-1463 or visit www.SamaritansPurse.org. Boxes may be dropped off at Harvest Church, 2120 W. 15th Street, Washington, between Nov. 12 and Nov. 19.