Local volunteers are busy packing shoeboxes for the annual Operation Christmas Child campaign.
It is expected more than 10 million shoeboxes filled with items for kids will be sent to 107 countries this year, “carrying hope to children in hopeless situations,” according to a news release from local volunteers.
“Knowing they are loved and not forgotten brings a sparkle to dull eyes and a smile to little faces, which have very little to smile about.”
Volunteers noted a seven-year-old boy in a Rwandan orphanage who had seen his family members being executed was a recipient of an Operation Christmas Child shoebox. After being adopted by a family in the United States, he returned to Rwanda and delivered shoeboxes to the orphanage where he was staying when he received his shoebox.
There is still time for local residents to pack shoeboxes with school supplies, hygiene items, a skipping rope, a T-shirt, a ball cap, sunglasses, and a stuffed animal. Those looking for more information, or to help during national collection week, can call Carolyn at 705-345-6677 or Rob at 705-796-6677.
