Staff Report

As the holidays near, stores begin promoting their wares and people begin thinking of the gifts they will get and give, but probably one of the most important gifts a person can give is the gift of God and of hope. That is what Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child program is all about.

“Operation Christmas Child brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations around the world through gift-filled shoe boxes and the good news of God’s love,” the Samaritan’s Purse Web site states. “Since 1993, more than 61 million shoe boxes have been packed, shipped and delivered across the globe.”

It’s that time of year again, and local churches are collecting the gift boxes in preparation for another season overseas. Southside Baptist Church, 526 Brady Road, is the relay center for this area.

“Other churches can bring their boxes to us and we put them in bigger boxes and take them to the center in Mobile,” Linda Kirchharr, church secretary, said. Southside will be collecting the boxes during the week of Nov. 17-23, and will transport them to Mobile the morning of Nov. 24.

For those who want to participate in Operation Christmas Child and do not belong to a church, local churches will gladly accept the gift boxes anytime between now and Nov. 23.

According to the Web site, the great thing about a project like this is that anyone can do it.

“People of all ages can be involved in this simple, hands-on missions project while focusing on the true meaning of Christmas — Jesus Christ,” the site states.

To pack a box, start with  an empty, standard-size shoe box or small plastic container. Some people like to wrap the box, but if doing so, wrap the lid and bottom of box separately.

“Most importantly, pray for the child who will receive your gift,” the site states.

Determine whether the gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child’s age category: 2-4, 5-9 or 10-14. Labels can be printed from samaritanspurse.org. Use the label or a marker to write the gender and age group the gift is intended for.

Fill the box with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child, such as toys, school supplies, hygiene items and other miscellaneous items.

Do not send  used or damaged items, war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures, chocolate or food, out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions, medications or vitamins, breakable items such as snow globes and glass containers, or aerosol cans.

Include a personal note and, if desired, a photo of the person or people sending the box. “If you include your name and address, the child may write back,” states the site.

Senders are asked to provide a donation of at least $7 for each shoe box to help cover shipping and other project costs. This can be done on the Web site, or a check can be included in the box.

If preparing more than one box, the donations can be combined and paid for with one check.

For more information, visit the Web site at samaritanspurse.org or call a local church. For more information about drop off, contact Linda Kirchharr at Southside Baptist Church, (251) 937-7925.