While there isn’t snow on the ground just yet, preparing for Christmas is always a good thing. And it's that time of year when Airdronians are invited by Samaritan’s Purse to take part in Operation Christmas Child Shoebox. 

Samaritan's Purse, a global Christian humanitarian organization active in more than 100 nations, launches Operation Christmas Child every year. More than 413,000 shoeboxes were filled by Canadians with items for underprivileged children in West Africa and Central America last year. Children in these areas (including those in war-torn Ukraine, who will receive Canadian shoeboxes this year) need joy more than ever as the world fights to recover from the economic impacts of COVID-19. 

Frank King, the News Media Relations Manager for Samaritan's Purse, talks about what goes into the boxes. 

“The three things we look for are school supplies, hygiene items, and toys, that really covers all the bases for children.” 

Some things they ask for people to not put in the boxes include food items, toothpaste, or anything that could scare or harm a child. They also ask they not put in things like toy guns. 

“We ask that folks don't put in playing cards, because some families in the developing world have significant gambling issues.” 

Airdronians have the option of making their own shoeboxes or purchasing one, if you do decide to make one, it can be dropped off at 20 Hopewell Way NE. 

“National Collection week is November 14 to 20. That said, Folks in Airdrie can drop them off here at our office as late as the beginning of December, and we can still get them processed and out the door down to these countries.” 

King finished off by saying he and Samaritan's Purse are very grateful for all Airdronians that do donate and create a shoebox. 

Over 200 million shoebox presents have been collected and distributed by Operation Christmas Child since its founding in 1993. 

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