Since 1970, Samaritan's Purse, a Christian relief organization, has helped meet needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine with the purpose of sharing God's love through His Son, Jesus Christ.  In 1993, their Operation Christmas Child initiative began reaching millions of impoverished children with shoe boxes lovingly packed with gifts by generous people across the world.  Yet when a child opens one of these shoe boxes, it is more than just a gift.  These, simple, yet powerful messages of God’s unconditional love bring life-changing opportunities for the child and the entire community.

Last year, Mountain Park sent over 350 shoeboxes to children in the Philippines, Guyana, Panama and Peru. This year, our goal is to reach 400 children, and we need your help!

To make a difference in a child’s life, simply wrap a shoebox in pretty Christmas paper and fill it with items such as school supplies, chapstick, bar soap, travel size toothpaste, washcloth, toothbrush, combs or brushes, small gifts or toys (examples: yo-yo’s, dolls, beanie babies, small cars, small Nerf balls, slinkies), caps or hats, sunglasses, t-shirts, hard candy (in a Ziploc bag), etc. – whatever you’d like that is age-appropriate for a child!  (No liquids or chocolate, please.)  Then bring your shoebox (along with $7 per box for postage) to church on one of the following collection dates:

Sunday, November 6, 13, or 20 – 9:15am-Noon,

or during final collection week: Monday-Friday, November 14-18 – 3:00-6:00pm, and Saturday, November 19 – 9:00am-1:00pm

For more information, please stop by the Shoebox Table in the lobby on Sunday morning, or contact Beth Blythe at .