It’s time gather together small gifts and take part in the annual Operation Christmas Child Shoebox event.
For the past 21 years, the Valley has enjoyed this special way of stepping up to help others and this year New Life Church on Tzouhalem Road is partnering with Samaritan’s Purse to be the collection centre for the Operation Christmas Child Shoebox campaign.
In this Canada-wide event, shoeboxes are filled with small gifts like toys, school supplies and hygiene items along with personal notes and photos of the donors to make them more personal.
The box is then sent to a child in need somewhere around the globe.
But, you have to get started soon if you want to take part, because boxes must be returned by Monday, Nov. 16.
New Life is hoping all Cowichan Valley residents, sports teams and community organizations will respond generously because, as care coordinator, Marita Rosenlind said last week, “with the tragic events going on in Syria and many other parts of the world, the need is greater than ever.
“The shoeboxes are given as unconditional gifts regardless of a child’s race, religion or gender. When they are given, they often open doors for Samaritan’s Purse to work with local community leaders in identifying and addressing other needs, such as clean water, literacy and vocational training for women, and school meals for children.”
Retired minister David Saunders is working with New Life on the worthwhile cause.
Saunders said, “People are anxious to help but often don’t know how; this is one way we can give hope to a child in desperate need.”
Anyone wishing to participate can call New Life office at 250-748-6521 for more information.