Preparing a shoe box Christmas

Once again, it is time to be at work on Operation Christmas Child, 2008. It is a campaign we first learned about in 2001 as “Shoe Box Christmas” because we fill shoeboxes with toys, school supplies, clothing and personal hygiene items for boys and girls in war torn countries (Bosnia, Afghanistan, Croatia, Kosovo, Romania , etc.) and poverty stricken countries (Honduras, Nicaragua South Africa, and others).

Operation Christmas Child was started here about this time in 2001. Officially the 2008 campaign begins on Friday, Sept. 12, and the filled boxes are to be brought to Rimrock Villa, 27555 Rimrock Road when completed and no later than Friday, Nov. 16.

What/how to pack the gift box?

• Use an empty shoe box (standard size) or a small plastic container.
• Wrap the box and the lid separately or you may leave them unwrapped.
• Decide if the box is for a boy or a girl and the age category (2-4, 5-9, or 10-14.)
• Mark boxes correctly — on outside of box. There are labels already printed on a brochure. If you do not have one they are available at Rimrock Villa.
• Fill with gifts. (See suggestions below.)
• Make a donation for $7 or more to help with shipping and other costs. Make check to Samaritan’s Purse, place in envelope inside box, on top of gifts and clearly visible.

Gift suggestions:
• School supplies — pencils and sharpener, pens, crayons, markers, stamps/ink pad sets, writing pads, paper, solar calculators, coloring/picture books, etc.
• Toys — small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes small Etch-A-Sketch, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky, etc.
• Hygiene items — tooth brush, tooth paste, mild bar soap (in plastic bag), comb, wash cloth, etc.
• Other ideas — hard candy and lollipops (double bag all candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps, sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights with extra batteries), etc.
• In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself, or family. If you enclose your name and address, the child may write back.
• Do not include — Used or damaged items, war-related items such as toy guns, knives, or military figures, chocolate or food, out-of-date candy, liquids, or lotions, medications or vitamins, breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers, aerosol cans.

 ABOUT THE WRITER:
Helen Bendure is a correspondent for the Desert Dispatch She can be contacted at rimrock83@aol.com