Even though Halloween is still weeks away, Erath organizers of Operation Christmas Child are encouraging people to be mindful of the giving season to ensure a happy day for children in need around the world.
Operation Christmas Child is a Christian project hosted by Samaritan’s Purse and asks citizens, businesses and churches to pack shoe boxes full of various items such as toys, socks, a toothbrush, brush or comb and other various small items. These boxes get shipped to children all over the world and often, it is the only gift the child has ever received.
Suggested items for inclusion include “wow” items like a soccer ball and pump, a stuffed animal or shoes, personal care items like brushes or small water bottles, toys, school supplies and accessories like socks, sunglasses and flashlights.
Erath County OCC organizers encourage people to ask their church about participating or start preparing boxes for the upcoming collection week (Nov. 13-20).
The collection site for Erath County is First Christian Church of Stephenville. All OCC boxes for Erath County are to be brought to First Christian Church at 450 W. Tarleton Street in Stephenville during National Collection Week. Interested donors can call the church office at 254965-4878 with any questions.
For more information on the project and ides of what/how to pack a shoebox, visit https://www. samaritanspurse. org/ whatw e-do/operationchristmas-child/ —Citizen staff report