FOUNTAIN — The Fountain United Brethren Church is now accepting Shoeboxes of Gifts for Operation Christmas Child.
This is the tenth year for the church to serve in this capacity.
Drop off dates are today through Monday, Nov. 23. Times are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday.
For evening drops or other drop off times call 304-788-5180. The church is located just off of Rt. 46 at Fountain across from Fountain School.
Shoeboxes may also be dropped off at Reed’s Drug Store on Main Street in Keyser today and Saturday.
Operation Christmas Child was started in 1993 by Samaritan’s Purse in North Carolina by the Rev. Franklin Graham, son of evangelist Billy Graham. At that time, Graham said, “It seemed like a daunting task, our idea was to collect thousands of gift-filled shoe boxes
for young war survivors in Bosnia. It was also a way of presenting the gospel at the same time.”
In that first year, they were amazed to collect over 28,000 shoe boxes filled with gifts. In 2008, Samaritan’s Purse collected over 8 million shoe boxes. In total, since started, the shoeboxes have grown to about 70 million.
Children in over 100 countries received gift boxes this past year.
Gospel storybooks printed in 52 languages and made available in 75 countries are given out at the same time as the shoebox distribution.
Over 10,000 shoeboxes were shipped from Fountain church from all over this area.
To participate, you may fill a shoebox or purchase a plastic box of the same size and fill with suitable gifts such as school supplies, hygiene items (no liquids), hard candy, toys, hair clips, small blankets, flashlights with lots of batteries. Do not include: used or damaged items, war type toys, chocolate, liquids or lotions, medications, or breakable items. Little stuffed animals and dolls are always popular. The plastic boxes are popular because it is something they can keep their things in.
Boxes may be packed for girls and boys; please indicate which, and whether it's for ages 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Donations of $7 for shipping expense would be appreciated and may be placed on top of the contents of each shoe box. Do not seal. You may wrap the lid separately.
If you want to include a note or picture inside from your family you may do so.
Youth groups and volunteers are always welcome to help pack the boxes and prepare the shoe boxes during the collection period for shipping.
For more information on how to become involved, call Trina at Fountain Church, 304-788-5180.
