This is the final weekend for the Cariboo Bethel Church’s annual collection of Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes.
As of Thursday morning Pastor Jeremy Vogt said about 400 boxes had been brought in to the church but by the end of the weekend he expected that number would almost double in the final days of the campaign which ends Sunday, Nov. 20.
He said people can drop of their boxes at the Ten Thousand Villages sale which is open Friday, Nov. 18 from 3 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the church basement.
Operation Christmas Child provides an opportunity for people of all ages to be involved in a simple, hands-on project of Samaritan’s Purse that provides shoeboxes filled with small gifts to children in need around the world.
People can fill their own shoe boxes or pick up decorated boxes at the church to fill. Lids need to be wrapped separately.
Due to customs regulations candy and any type of food is not permitted in the boxes.
Items suitable for the boxes include the following.
• School supplies such as pens, pencils, pencil crayons, note pads, and picture books.
• Hygiene items such as facecloth, toothbrush, comb, and soap (in a sealable bag).
• Toys and other gifts such as stuffed animals, small musical instruments, hair clips, toy jewellery, T-shirts, and socks.
• Include a personal note and/or a photo, separately from the donation envelope.