Hey everyone!

I just wanted to pass along a few details about participating in Operation Christmas Child this year. This is a really tangible way to share God’s love with children in need so it would be awesome if everyone participated.

I will be bringing brochures and shoeboxes to the Citywide Celebration on Sunday, October 18th. Feel free to take as many as you like or use shoeboxes that you have at home. If it turns out that you need more shoeboxes or brochures just let me know.

A few things to keep in mind:

1. A great alternative to regular shoeboxes are clear Rubbermaid containers that are roughly the size of shoeboxes but no larger than 9x12x5”. They can be re-used by the children or their parents.

2. You can wrap the boxes (lid separately), but wrapping is not required.

3. Be sure to look over the brochure or on the Samaritan’s Purse website (www.samaritanspurse.ca/occ/) for gift ideas and guidelines on what not to include before going shopping.

4. Samaritan’s Purse emphasizes packing “well rounded” shoeboxes so as much as possible try and include some school supplies, toys and hygiene items.

5. Shoeboxes for boys ages 10-14 and 2-4 are usually needed most.

6. Our shoeboxes will be going throughout South and Central America and West Africa.

Most of the details you will need are in the brochure or on the website, but feel free to contact me if you still have questions (tkherriot@hotmail.com).

DEADLINE: The last Sunday to assemble your shoeboxes is November 15th but note that the Simplechurches retreat is on that weekend so your church will likely need to assemble the boxes the weekend before. You can drop off your shoeboxes at North Shore Alliance Church on the following dates:

Sunday Nov. 15 (10am to 2pm), Monday Nov. 16 (3pm to 6pm), Tuesday Nov. 17 (3pm to 6pm), Wednesday Nov. 18 (3pm to 6pm), Thursday Nov. 19 (3pm to 6pm), Friday Nov. 20 (9am to 12pm), Saturday Nov. 21
(By appointment only)

If you want to make an appointment at NSAC on Saturday Nov. 21st please contact Michiel and Brenda Smit (mbasmit@telus.net or 604.985.7155). If those dates and times don’t work for you, check out the Samaritan’s Purse website (www.samaritanspurse.ca/occ/) to find the drop off location nearest to you. Please note that Safeway stores are no longer collecting the shoeboxes.

Blessings,

Taryn