Operation Christmas Child National Collection Week November 13-20

BROKEN BOW—Operation Christmas Child National Collection Weeks is right around the corner and will take place November 13-20. “Well you take an empty shoebox and fill it with items for a third world child,” Drop-Off Center Coordinator Fae Beaumont said. It sounds like a simple task but the lasting effect can be huge for children around the world. Drop-Off Center Coordinator Fae Beaumont has been involved with Operation Christmas Child since 2006 for Custer County and the surrounding area. The Samaritan’s Purse shoebox gift project involves packing a shoebox with hygiene items, school supplies, toys, or even clothes. You would be surprised with how much you can fit in a regular-sized shoebox! Beaumont said the project also encourages including a “wow item” which could range from a bar of soap to colored pencils to a doll. She said “God is in charge of this project” and also asks volunteers to pray for the children who will be receiving the gifts. Beaumont reported that 300 boxes were donated in 2006 and the most received was more than 1,600. Operation Christmas Child serves communities all over the world. Past recipient countries include Mexico, South American countries, Zambia, and much more. Religious brochures and books are often included, and local churches offer follow-up Bible studies for area youth after receiving a box. According to Beaumont, most children will only receive one gift box in their lifetime and the gift items and Bible studies help provide a lasting impact. “They do not go back to the same area for 10 or 12 years, so, if a child gets a shoebox it will be the only one they ever get in their life. So it’s important to fill it up,” Beaumont said. A $9 donation is also required in addition to a shoebox. Beaumont said a six quart plastic box works well to fill with goodies but the project prohibits candy or toothpaste. Informational brochures can be picked up at KCNI/KBBN (79895 NE-2, Broken Bow, NE 68822) or by calling Fae Beaumont at 308-870-6122. National Collection Week is November 13-20 and local donations can be dropped off at the First Christian Church in Broken Bow (831 Buffalo Run Rd, Broken Bow, NE 68822). From there, boxes are sent to a processing center in Denver and then sent all over the world. National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child First Christian Church 831 Buffalo Run Rd Monday, Nov. 13 8--10 AM Tuesday Nov. 14 8--10 AM Wednesday Nov. 15 2--5 PM Thursday Nov. 16 8--10 AM Friday Nov. 17 5--7 PM Saturday Nov. 18 2--4 PM Sunday Nov. 19 12--3 PM Monday Nov. 20 7:30--9:30 AM