Daveyann Snarr holds the red and green shoe boxes that can be found around town for Operation Christmas Child. The organization is collecting boxes filled with basic items and toys for children around the world.
By Linda George | Operation Christmas Child
Today millions of children around the world don’t have a toothbrush or a bar of soap to wash their face. They have never received a Christmas present or even cuddled with a stuffed animal. But with the help of Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse that will reach 10 million children in 108 different countries, you can participate by filling a box of love.
Look for red and green boxes at Ace Hardware, Choke Cherry, Dollar General, Footprints, OK Nails, Two Chicks and a Hippie, San Juan Salon, and United Parcel Post. You can also find boxes ready to fill in the lobbies of 20 local churches in Pagosa. Youth clubs like 4-H and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes are busy collecting items and filling shoe box gifts too.
Pick a boy or girl ages 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14 and go shopping for basic items like a toothbrush, bar of soap, washcloth, a comb or brush, crayons, a coloring book or a pencil and small notebook. You can add a wow toy like a small stuffed animal, a doll, small Matchbox cars or a bag of marbles. The children love personal notes and pictures, too. Don’t include candy or toothpaste so it can pass customs. Sticker labels are included in each box along with an envelope for postage.
Please help our little mountain town touch lives of needy children around the world this Christmas and reach our goal of 2,600 boxes. Our collection week is Nov. 13-20. The drop-off location is Grace in Pagosa, 1044 Park Ave., next door to the Recreation Center. Please return your filled shoe boxes during the following times and bring joy to a child this Christmas:
• Nov. 13, 1 to 3 p.m.
• Nov. 14, 1 to 3 p.m.
• Nov. 15, 1 to 3 p.m.
• Nov. 16, 1 to 3 p.m.
• Nov. 17, 1 to 3 p.m.
• Nov. 18, 1 to 3 p.m.
• Nov. 19, 1 to 3 p.m.
• Nov. 20, 8 to 10 a.m.
