Operation Christmas Child
Samaritan's Purse shoebox project under way until Nov. 21
Bev Davis
Register-Herald Senior Editor
November may seem far away, but for Debbie Vanaman and other dedicated coordinators of Operation Christmas Child projects, there's much to be done between now and the collection dates.
"Last year, worldwide, Samaritan's Purse collected more than 7.5 million shoeboxes. Here in Beckley and the Raleigh County area, we collected more than 2,500 boxes. It will be time to ship what we collect this year before you know it," Vanaman said.
The deadline for dropping off shoeboxes filled with children's items at First Baptist Church in Beckley is Nov. 21. They will be taken only by appointment on Nov. 22-23.
"We have changed the drop-off location to the church instead of the building across the street," Vanaman said.
Area churches, individuals and organizations are preparing the shoeboxes that will be distributed worldwide as part of the Samaritan's Purse organization, founded by Franklin Graham, son of the Rev. Billy Graham.
Those who want to help can pick up shoe boxes at First Baptist or simply use ordinary shoe boxes they have at home. Separate items are listed for boys and girls, and each shoe box from home needs to be wrapped with Christmas paper with the lid wrapped separately, so the box can be opened.
It takes about $10 to fill a box, Vanaman said.
In addition to the items enclosed in the box, the sender is asked to include a $7 check for shipping and handling. The check should be made payable to Samaritan's Purse.
It is acceptable to use plastic shoe boxes, and these can be reused by the people who receive them.
"They can use the plastic boxes to carry water, store food or to use in any number of ways, so the plastic box is like an extra gift and they're available at dollar stores around town," Vanaman said.
Pamphlets listing the items to be included are available at First Baptist, and the information is posted on the Web site at www.samaritanspurse.org.
In addition to the specific items, participants can send a letter and a picture of themselves.
Items that are not to be sent are:
- Used items.
- War-related items, such as toy guns, knives, etc.
- Perishable food items.
- Liquids such as shampoo, lotion, bubble bath, etc.
- Medicines such as vitamins, cough drops, ointment.
- Breakable items, such as mirrors, china dolls, snow globes.
Suggested gifts are:
- Toys — small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, Slinky, plastic kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, small Etch-A-Sketch, toys that light up or make noise (include extra batteries).
- School supplies — pens, pencils, sharpeners, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, coloring books, writing pads or paper, solar calculators.
- Hygiene items — toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, comb, wash cloth.
- Other — hard candy, lollipops, mints, gum, sunglasses, flashlights with extra batteries, ball caps, socks, T-shirts, toy jewelry, hair clips, watches, small picture books.
"We usually suggest people pick an item or two from each category and make it gender-appropriate for a boy or girl," Vanaman said.
For more information, call 1-800-353-5949.
— E-mail:
bdavis@register-herald.com