Operation Christmas Child Published Nov. 17, 2008 By Hugh Wilson 20th Fighter Wing SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- A shoe box can make a world of difference in the life of a needy child when it is filled with gifts. Millions of children in our world live and exist in conditions difficult for most people to imagine. As victims of poverty, war, AIDS, famine and other catastrophes, many children are orphans and many live on city streets. We seldom, if ever, have the opportunity to help these children through personal contact, but this time each year we are given the opportunity through Operation Christmas Child to make an impact with shoe boxes filled with gifts. Operation Christmas Child is a project of the international Christian relief and evangelism organization, Samaritan's Purse, which is headquartered in Boone, NC. Shaw participation is sponsored by the Chapel Young Adult Ministry. These gifts send a message of hope to children in desperate situations around the world. People of all ages can participate in this project, and express love and concern for needy children while focusing on the true meaning of Christmas, God's greatest gift, Jesus Christ. Last year 7.6 million shoe boxes were collected from eleven countries and were sent to children in 103 countries, including the United States. Shaw has been participating in this project for fourteen years with 300-400 gift-filled shoe boxes most years. Our goal for this year is 500 boxes! If you would like to help, please determine if the shoe box will be for a boy or girl in one of these age categories: 2-4, 5-9 or 10-14. On the lid of the box, indicate the age and gender. This is a list of suggested items for the shoe boxes: · New toys (small stuffed animal, doll, ball, car, etc. Note: Please do not purchase war related toys like guns or knives, etc.). · School supplies (pens, pencils, sharpener, eraser, colored pencils, crayons, coloring book, writing pad, solar calculator). · Hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap in zip-lock bag, washcloth, comb, and hairbrush). · Other items to consider: flashlight with extra batteries, T-shirt, socks, Bible story and picture books. If you wrap the box, please wrap the lid separately and secure it with a rubber band; the contents will be inspected. Bring boxes to Palmetto Chapel Friday, Nov. 21, 1 to 5 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The gifts are then sent for processing before going primarily to underdeveloped countries. Help us promote this worthy project by encouraging others to participate. Additional information is available at the Shaw chapels and various locations on base, at 1-800-353-5949 and at www.samaritanspurse.org. DVD reports for sharing with your group are available from Samaritan's Purse. To volunteer to help with this project, call Hugh Wilson at 895-1106 or 481-7972.