Daphne Erhardt, the Cortez drop-off team leader for Operation Christmas Child, kicked off the annual charity drive at Rock Springs Church with a guest from a Thailand refugee camp.
On Sept. 15, guest Pawku Ju talked about receiving an Operation Christmas Child shoe box in the Thai refugee camp where she grew up.
Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, has delivered more than 157 million boxes to 160 countries filled with toiletries, school supplies, toys, and letters of encouragement since 1993, Sally Rowland, coordinator for Operation Christmas Child in the Four Corners area, said in a press release.
The organization hopes to collect 1,200 shoe boxes this season Nov. 12-19 at Rock Springs Church, 32233 U.S. Highway 160 in Cortez.
Collection times are:
Nov 12-15: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.Nov 16: 9 a.m.–1 p.m. and 5–9 p.m.Nov 17: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.Nov 18: 8 a.m.–1 p.m.Nov 19: 8–10 a.m.To donate, start with a standard shoe box, pick a boy or girl age 2-4, 5-9 or 10-14, then go shopping, Rowland said. Look for a “wow” item such as a stuffed animal, soccer ball and pump or clothing that will capture the child’s attention. Don’t forget items such as toothbrushes, soap, washcloths, school supplies, and socks and shoes. Personalize the box with a letter and your family picture.
For more information, go to samaritanspurse.org/occ.
