The Winthrop Congregational Church is supporting Operation Christmas Child for the fourth year in a row by collecting and filling shoe boxes with items for children of the world.
“Operation Christmas Child” is a Christian Ministry founded in 1990 by Franklin Graham, of Samaritan's Purse, who has devoted his life to meeting the needs of people around the world. Under his leadership, Samaritan's Purse has met the needs of the poor, sick, and suffering people in more than 130 countries.
This charity hands out shoe-size cardboard boxes to churches and other organizations which then hand them out to volunteers, who fill them with items such as school supplies, small toys, hygiene products, and candy. Once the shoe-size boxes are filled, they are collected, shipped to the sorting center, and then sent as gifts to children in need around the world from ages 2 to 14.
Worldwide last year Operation Christmas Child collected 8.2 million boxes, with 5.5 coming from the United States. This year their goal is 8.5 million. Let's help make this happen!
For some of the children this is the only Christmas present they will receive. Winthrop Congregational Church is trying to help in this effort to make a difference in the lives of these children. There are three age groups as follows:
Boy/Girl: 2 – 4 years old
Boy/Girl: 5 – 9 years old
Boy/Girl: 10 – 14 years old
How can you participate:
Take a shoe box, wrap it with Christmas paper (lid & bottom separate), and fill with any of the following items:
Hygiene items: toothpaste and toothbrushes; comb; wash clothes; socks; etc.
Toys: small cars; dolls; stuffed animals; yo-yo’s; slinkies; puzzles; etc.
School Supplies: pens; pencils; crayons; stamp and ink pad sets; sharpeners; coloring books; etc.
Other: hard candy, lollipops, gum (put all candy in Ziploc bags); hair clips; jewelry; flashlights with extra batteries; etc.
Do not include: used or damaged items; war-related items such as guns, military figures, knives; chocolate or food; liquids such as lotions; or glass containers.
Bring your filled and wrapped box to the Winthrop Congregational Church, 16 North Franklin St., Holbrook, MA anytime Mon.-Fri between 9-12 or on Sunday mornings.
The Church will also be having a packing party [to be announced]. You can bring your boxes and items and pack with us. Light refreshments will be served.
If you would like to know more about this ministry and how you can help, we would be glad to come to your church or group and explain in more detail. You can reach us at 781-767-5589 (ask for Jane or Dwight).
Lastly, if you are able, a $7.00 donation would be appreciated. This helps to defray the costs of shipping the boxes all over the world. However, if you cannot afford a donation, do not let this stop you from filling a shoe box.
Winthrop Congregational Church
Operation Christmas Child
16 North Franklin Street, Holbrook, Massachusetts 02343 | Office phone: 781-767-0992 | Office email: birgit7@verizon.net
