Pack a shoebox of goodies for less fortunate

Samaritan's Purse invites anyone wanting to help children in need to show up and pack an Operation Christmas Child shoebox next weekend.

“The whole initiative is to pack a shoebox with little gifts like school supplies or other toys or items - that gets sent to different countries every year and most of the countries [the shoeboxes] get sent to, the kids have never received a gift in their life, ” said organizer Melanie Hannah.

Shoeboxes are filled with school supplies, little toys and hygiene items, which the Cochrane Alliance Church has been collecting donations for this past year. Organizers said that, as of now, they have enough school supplies but could still use more small toys that can fit in a shoebox. More personal-hygiene items, such as soap and toothbrushes, are also being sought.

“It's more than just a shoebox - it's an opportunity for us to reach inside ourselves, ” Hannah explained. “For me, I have young kids, so I really like the program - especially at Christmas time they can learn to give and it's not just about the ‘getting.' ”

Each year the shoeboxes are sent to different places around the world - this year Western Canada is sending shoeboxes to seven different countries including Haiti, Ukraine and Nepal.

“A lot of (the shoeboxes) go to war-torn countries or areas where they've seen hardship, so it is a bright light in their day, ” Hannah explained.

People wanting to attend the packing party will get their shoebox at the church's main station, then are free to “shop ” around the mock store in the church until their shoebox is full. Organizers are also asking those able, to donate $7 to cover shipping costs.

“Everyone and anyone is welcome to the party. We hope that lots of people come out - it will be fun, ” Hannah said.

The packing party goes Nov. 14 at the Cochrane Alliance Church, located at 902 Glenbow Drive, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., with a Christmas snack to be provided.

For more information, contact Melanie Hannah at 403-461-6361.

For those who cannot make the Nov. 14 event at Cochrane Alliance Church, the Operation Christmas Child shoebox-filling campaign goes Nov. 16-22 at Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre. Empty shoeboxes can be picked up from a table at the sports centre's lobby, filled and then returned to the guest services counter.