PARRY SOUND, ON – A lot of drives try to help the less fortunate locally, but one church doesn’t want to forget about kids in some of the least developed countries in the world.
The Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child Shoebox donation has traditionally helped children in Ukraine have something to open up at Christmas. While the U.S. branch will continue to focus on Ukraine, the Canadian drive will switch to the western coast of Africa and Central America.Â
The drive is being put on by St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Parry Sound. The idea is for community members to pack a shoebox full of either girls or boys toys and hygiene products.Â
The boxes will go specifically to children caught in warzones or those who had to flee their homes.
The Canadian effort has gifted over 100,000 shoeboxes to kids in Ukraine since 2014 and the branch feels they completed what it set out to do in that country.
The organization’s website suggests starting off with a “wow item.” This would be a medium-sized to a large toy, like a soccer ball with pump or doll, that will catch the child’s attention as soon as they open the box. Smaller items include school supplies, non-liquid hygiene items and a personal note.
Anyone interested in donating is asked to avoid donating candy, used or damaged items, war-related items such as toy guns, knives, or military figures and breakable items.
A minimum $10 donation is asked to help cover project costs.
Shoeboxes can be brought to St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday to Friday.
