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By Dena Wood
The Times 

Operation Christmas Child

Local givers donated 152 boxes last year

 

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WAITSBURG - Thousands of Operation Christmas Child (OCC) shoeboxes packed with gifts and school supplies for children in Third World countries will be collected Nov. 16-23 at church relay centers across the country. In 2014, a total of 16,814 shoebox gifts were given by local donors, including 152 from the Dayton-Waitsburg area.

The operation began 23 years ago by Samaritan's Purse, a Christian relief agency founded by Franklin Graham. Over 100 million shoebox gifts have been given to needy children since 1992.

The program has been operating locally for about 18 years and involves hundreds of donors in youth and adult service groups, businesses, private schools, individuals, families, and churches, according to regional coordinator Fay Smith.

To participate in the program, decide if your gift is for a boy or girl and what age. Pack a shoebox-sized container with toys, stuffed animals, school supplies, toothbrushes, soap, or sweets. Leave out anything war-related, chocolate, spillable or breakable. Add $7 to help pay shipping costs, then wrap the box and lid separately. Rubber band it shut and tape on the OCC label available at participating churches or online at http://www.samaritanpurse.org/occ.

Boxes may be delivered to Community Bible Church in Dayton (across from the Post Office) during the following times:

 Nov. 16: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

 Nov 17-18: 2 - 6 p.m.

 Nov. 19: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

 Nov. 20: 9 - 11 a.m. and 2 - 6 p.m.

 Nov. 21: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

 Nov. 22: 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

 Nov. 23: 9 a.m. - noon

Boxes may also be left in the collection box in the foyer of the Waitsburg Chapel (320 W. 2nd, Waitsburg) before the Nov. 23 deadline.

 

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