Bryant Thigpen
news@greenepublishing.com
With Christmas just around the corner, Samaritan's Purse is collecting shoeboxes filled with goodies to send to needy children all across the world. The national collection week for the shoeboxes is Monday, Nov. 16, until the following Monday, Nov. 23.
Those wishing to participate are encouraged to find shoeboxes, or to order preprinted shoeboxes from Samaritan's Purse. Once the boxes have been obtained, participants will then decide whether they would like to pack a box for a boy or girl, and then decide which age category: two to four, five to nine or 10-14.
The participant will then be encouraged to fill the box with goodies. Samaritan's Purse recommends including a "wow" gift, which includes: a doll, soccer ball, stuffed animal, an outfit of clothing to wear or a small musical instrument (such as a harmonica). Personal care items are also recommended, which includes: a comb, hairbrush, toothbrush, wash cloth, bar of soap, colorful adhesive bandages, reusable plastic containers and a blanket.
Clothing and accessories may be included, which consists of: shirts and pants, pillowcase dress, underwear, shoes and socks, flip-flops, sunglasses, tote bag/purse, hair bows and more. Children would also enjoy crafts and activities such as: pencils, crayons, markers, pens, coloring pads and books, picture book, playdough, stickers, jump rope and more. They also recommend small toys, which may consist of a foam ball, finger puppets, slinky and interactive toys. Don't forget to include a personal note to the child with a personal photo of yourself, family or church group. If an address is included, the child may be able to write back.
Those who contribute shoeboxes may request a Follow Your Box label for a donation of $9, and that person can know where the box they donated is going.
Boxes that are donated may be dropped off at the Madison Church of God, located at 771 NE Colin Kelly Highway, in Madison.
If a person is unable to prepare the boxes but would like to donate, the Samaritan's Purse offers the option to Build A Shoebox online. For more information, please visit www.samaritanspurse.org.