April 20, 2024

Operation Christmas Child underway in Newton

By Jamee A

Volunteers work to load hundreds of shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, a fundraiser to give gifts and supplies to needy children across the world. This year’s fundraiser runs through Monday with shoeboxes available at Bridgehouse Coffee and Choices Christian Book Store. (Jamee A)

On Monday, area organizations and local citizens began work building and collecting shoeboxes for the annual Operation Christmas Child fundraiser. The annual Christmas project sponsored by Samaritan’s Purse gives community members the opportunity to give a shoebox full of items to children in need around the world.

“The annual Samaritan’s Purse project is a favorite of many Newton residents, families, churches and groups who spread joy to millions of children around the world by filling shoeboxes with a “wow” item — like a doll or soccer ball — other fun toys, school supplies, hygiene items and notes of encouragement,” volunteer Linda Laverman said.

Anyone can drop off a gift-filled shoebox to send to a child overseas. Along with the “wow” item, additional items for the box include the basics — washcloths, soap, pencils, pens, a cup, water bottle and additional toys along with notes of encouragement to round out the box. Those donating a shoebox can also donate $7 for shipping costs.

National Collection Week runs through Monday. The Newton Christian Reformed Church, 511 S. Fifth Ave. E., will once again serve as the collection site for the project with operating hours from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday and 9 to 11 a.m. Monday.

Following collection, the boxes are shipped to Des Moines before heading to Minneapolis where the boxes will be sorted and categorized with the story of Jesus placed in the box in the appropriate language. For those boxes that need extra items, many large corporations around the country donate additional items to help fill the boxes. From there, the boxes will be shipped to more than 140 nations around the world arriving at the final destination by boat, donkey or even elephants. This year, the shoeboxes donated from the Newton area will be headed to Mexico and Niger.

Also, now using special tracking technology, participants can follow their box to discover where in the world their gift is delivered by using the donation form found on their website.

Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief and evangelism organization headed by Franklin Graham. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has delivered gift-filled shoeboxes to more than 124 million children in more than 150 countries and territories. For many of these children, a gift-filled shoebox is the first gift they have ever received.

“Through the simple act of filling a shoebox, someone in Newton can make a tangible difference in the life of a child halfway around the world,” Laverman said. “Anyone can participate and bring joy to a child facing difficult circumstances.”

Those interested in participating can pick up a shoebox at Bridgehouse Coffee or Choice Christian Book Store or contact Laverman at 641-285-0778.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at
641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or
jpierson@newtondailynews.com