As the deadline is quickly approaching to submit shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, many groups are gathering to fill large numbers of gift packages. By having 'shoebox parties', friends can get together and have fun while sharing in the spirit of giving.
Kerri Keith was joined by 35 of her friends on November 11 in the work shop at her family's farm. Eight families gathered and together they completed the packing of 86 shoe boxes.
"Box-packing parties are the ticket," said Keith. "Imagine what could be done if we had 100 people!"
Shoe boxes full of gifts must be dropped off by Sunday, November 27 at 4 p.m. in order to be donated to impoverished children in countries such as Argentina, Guatemala and Sierra Leone care of Operation Christmas Child. Most children who receive the shoeboxes are only then enabled to go to school, as the boxes can and should include school supplies as well as shoes. Without shoes and school supplies, most children cannot attend school.
The drop-off location in Weyburn is the Free Methodist Church. Shoeboxes will be collected from November 21 to 23 between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., November 24 and 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., on November 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and on the deadline day, November 27, boxes must arrive between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m.
Last year Weyburn donated 1,259 boxes. This year, local volunteers are hoping to beat that record.
