Operation Christmas Child is almost finished for 2018, but that doesn't mean that Airdrie locals have missed out on their opportunity to give shoeboxes packed full of Christmas gifts to Samaritan's Purse.

Up until noon on December 31, there is still a chance for anyone to donate to Operation Christmas Child. Media Relations Manager at Samaritan's Purse Frank King encourages people who might have missed chances prior to take the opportunity to donate now.

"For folks who still haven't dropped off their Operation Christmas Child Boxes, it's not too late. Whenever they're in Calgary they can come to our Samaritans Purse Headquarters at 20 Hopewell Way NE and drop them off anytime up until noon on December 31."

Boxes being packed should make sure not to include any toys fashioned to imitate weapons or war-related items. Camo and other army items should not be packed. however, school supplies and toys are always appreciated and wanted.

"As always, we're looking for school supplies, hygiene items and toys. All these things are just incredibly valuable to those children in those countries where they have so much less than Canadians do. In fact, just having pencils, erasers and paper in shoeboxes mean some of these children are actually able to go to school," says King. "Pencils, papers and school supplies can make a big difference because even in countries where education is free, the children often have to supply their own supplies. For some families that means their children just can't go to school because they just don't have the money to do that so that's why we love it when we see pencils and paper and that kind of stuff in the shoeboxes because that can transform a child's life and give them an education they might not have had."

King says the boxes will be travelling all over the world.

"This year boxes are going to Central America, they're going to Haiti, they're going to West Africa and we're also sending some boxes to Ukraine."

Despite wanting school supplies like paper and pencils, King reminds donators that toys are just as appreciated.

"We love to see toys in there because even in the midst of their difficulties, kids love to have fun. It brings such a joy to our minds and our hearts when we think about these children that have so little now have something to play with thanks to generous Canadians."

 

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