HUMBOLDT — An annual initiative where people fill shoeboxes with gifts for children in need around the world has returned to Humboldt
Operation Christmas Child is an initiative of international Christian relief organization Samaritan’s Purse.
Those donating shoeboxes can drop them off at the Humboldt Alliance Church from Monday Nov. 15 to Saturday, Nov. 20. On Monday to Friday they can be dropped off between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., while on Saturday they can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Donors are asked to decide if they are packing for a girl or boy and what age group, be it two to four years old, five to nine, or 10-14. Gifts should be age-appropriate.
Samaritan’s Purse said each gift-filled shoebox should contain a well-balanced variety of school supplies, toys and non-liquid hygiene products. Donors are also asked to include a personal note or a photo.
Items that should not be sent include food, candy, toothpaste, used items, breakable items (glass, mirrors, etc.), decks of poker playing cards, items that could leak, melt, or freeze (shampoo, creams, etc.) and items that can scare or harm a child (war-related toys, knives, toy guns, etc.).
A $10 donation is required for each box to cover shipping and program costs.
In 2020 373,188 gift-filled shoeboxes were collected in Canada. More than 10 million gift-filled shoeboxes were collected worldwide.
