Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Campaign is underway again for its sixteenth season. Since 1993, 68 million boxes have made their way to children in over 100 underdeveloped countries whose lives have been traumatized by war, extreme poverty, natural disasters and disease. Many of the these children are orphans as well.

Last year 713,294 boxes were collected from Canada and 469 of those boxes came from our little town of Merritt! This year we hope to hit the 500 mark!

Boxes and envelopes indicating the gender and age of the child you wish to send a gift to are available at local churches, both dollar stores, Curves gym, Home Life Realty, and the Greyhound Bus Depot, which also ships all the boxes to the main headquarters in Calgary free of charge.

The deadline for boxes to be in is Nov. 20 and they can be dropped off at the above businesses too. Recycled shoe boxes or rubbermaid containers can also be used for your gifts. Just remember to indicate age and gender of child.

The Evangelical Free church will be having a dedication service for this wonderful charity on Nov. 15 at 10 a.m. bring your gift-filled shoe boxes to that, or call Sue Peachey for more information, or pick up your box.

Boxes from B.C. go to impoverished areas of central and South America. Please include an assortment of new good quality items that are age and gender appropriate.

Please do not put in any items that could melt, leak or break. All candy must be hard and wrapped. Please, no war related items, used items, decks of playing cards or toothpaste.

Donations of $7 per box to help cover overseas shipping costs are appreciated. Donations can be put in the envelopes or made online at www.samaritanspurse.ca. It’s also a nice idea if you can personalize your gift with a Christmas card, letter or photo. Put a smile on a child’s face this Christmas and let them know you are thinking of them.

Thanks to all those business people that helped out.

Sue Peachey

Merritt co-ordinator for Operation Christmas Child