Ryan Campbell from Camrose who received a shoebox in Jamaica as a child remembers specifically the tremendous impact it had when he opened the box and he still has the tattered teddy bear. ECA Review/Submitted
Once again, folks are packing shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child (OCC), to be sent to less fortunate children around the world.
OCC is a division of Samaritans Purse that has been collecting and delivering shoeboxes since 1993 … 198 million shoeboxes in fact, in more than 170 countries and territories.
Last year, Camrose and area sent 1568 boxes which added to the 413,875 packed from Canada, and a total of 10,505,155 packed worldwide.
For many children, a shoebox will be the first and only gift they will receive.
One such story is of Ryan Campbell from Camrose who received a shoebox in Jamaica as a child. He remembers specifically the tremendous impact it had when he opened the box. He didn’t know “where it came from” and he still has the tattered teddy bear and remembers a tiny piano and pencil crayons that were in the box, very special items when you weren’t fortunate to have much else.
It’s as simple as picking up a shoebox (or two or three) at one of these locations. https://www.samaritanspurse.ca/drop-off-locations/ . Fill the box with items such as a toy (doll, stuffed animal, soccer ball & pump), hygiene items, clothing, and school supplies. If you’d like to add a photo or card, that’s a bonus!
Remember to include a $10 donation (cash, cheque or on-line) with each box to cover the cost of shipping.
Rally or challenge your friends, family, sports team and colleagues to fill boxes this year.
The goal for Camrose and area is 2022 boxes in 2022.
These shoeboxes bring joy and hope to children and their families in poverty stricken countries. This year, Canadian packed shoeboxes will be going to Central America, Ukraine, West Coast Africa and for the first time – Philippines!
Collection is Nov 14-20, 2022 at Century Meadows Baptist Church (3720-66 St) in Camrose. If you’d rather, you can very easily pack a shoebox on-line at www.packabox.ca. Any questions about collection, reach out to Kathy Runnalls at 780-678-6328.
These boxes often open doors for Samaritan’s Purse to work with local community leaders in identifying and addressing important needs such as clean water, literacy, vocational training for women, school meals for children, etc.
“Follow us on Facebook at Operation Christmas Child Camrose & Area for shoebox packing ideas”.
Submitted
