Written by Mickey Djuric
Published by Moose Jaw Times on Thursday, October 2, 2014
A gift can change a life.
“There’s this story of a young child who received a shoebox gift and it brought her so much joy,” said Marlie McLeod, logistics coordinator at Alliance Church in Moose Jaw.
“For several days she hoarded the box because it was so beautiful and she never had a gift before. When she finally opened it up, there was a picture of the family who had sent her the box and scripture saying ‘God so loved the world he gave.’
“Those words just rung in her heart that love gives. So she in turn shared her box with her friends and little brother. She learned to give and there are a lot of stories like hers.”
The box was part of Operation Christmas Child. Every year, people have the opportunity to send presents to less fortunate children in the world, as a way to provide them with things they need or may not have.
Last year 2,300 gift boxes were donated to the Alliance Church and were sent to countries in Africa and South America.
For six years the church has participated in Operation Christmas Child and this year they’re looking to raise 3,000 boxes.
An empty box can be picked up at the church during their regular office hours. People can put whatever they like in the box, but it’s recommended to give school supplies, hygiene items, small toys and hard candy.
Boxes can then be dropped off at the Alliance Church during their collection week from Nov. 17 to 23. For more information go to www.samaritanspurse.ca
Please donate $12 for every shoebox you prepare. Your donations will help cover project costs, including shipping (make one combined donation for multiple shoeboxes). Consider making an additional donation to help Samaritan's Purse go beyond the shoebox and expand assistance to children, their families, and their communities. Samaritan's Purse does not provide receipts for the value of gift items included in a shoebox.