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It's time to fill a shoebox

EVEN THOUGH Christmas is still a ways off, it’s time to think about it and giving to others.

EVEN THOUGH Christmas is still a ways off, it’s time to think about it and giving to others.

To that end, the Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes have arrived and the campaign is on.

Time again to pack a shoebox filled with special gifts for a child in another part of the world who is experiencing war, famine, extreme poverty, or natural disasters.

Every year Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, collects and sends shoeboxes all over the world.

Here in Terrace through the generosity of individuals, churches, schools and businesses, we sent out 900 shoeboxes. Last year, out of the 8.6 million boxes collected worldwide, Canada gave 672,274 of them.

Packing a box is so simple but will have such a lasting impact on the child who receives it.

All you need to do is pick up a box and decide whether the gifts inside will be for a boy or girl and what age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14.

Then fill it with items you think a child would enjoy or need.

Suggested items include school supplies, hygiene items and toys.

Do not include liquids or breakables, food items or any toys that may scare a child, such as war-related toys.

Boxes can be picked up at the dollar store in Terrace, Raine Mountain Hardware in Stewart or your local church.

When you have it filled, return it to the Dollar Store or the Terrace Alliance Church. In Stewart, they are to be taken to Seaport Limousine. The deadline for returning boxes is November 19.

Samaritan’s Purse is hoping to send out 100 million shoeboxes this year. We can do our part to help them reach this goal.

Thank you to those businesses who help in making a difference in the lives of children and families across the world. For more information about packing a box, go to samaritanspurse.ca.