Christmas charity aims to collect 1,000 shoeboxes for children

In 2012, the Roaring Fork Valley contributed just over 1,000 shoe boxes full of gifts to the Operation Christmas Child effort. This year, organizers have set a goal to collect another 1,000 shoeboxes from area families, kids, churches, schools and civic organizations.

The Orchard in Carbondale will again serve as a collection point for the shoebox drive. Residents are asked to pack shoeboxes with gifts (including small toys, personal-care items such as hairbrushes, hair accessories and toothbrushes as well as stickers, school supplies and hard candy) that will be distributed to children in more than 100 countries who are suffering from natural disasters, war, terrorism, disease, famine and poverty.

“Operation Christmas Child is a unique opportunity to do something as simple as packing a shoe box that will have a lasting impact on a child a world away,” said Rosalind Fowler, Operation Christmas Child drop-off site coordinator.

Operation Christmas Child uses technology that allows donors to track their boxes to their destination countries, where they will be hand-delivered to children in need. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has provided gifts to more than 86 million children in more than 130 countries. To register shoe box gifts and find out what country they are delivered to, use a form found at http://www.SamaritansPurse.org.

This year marks the 20th anniversary for Operation Christmas Child. The Orchard also serves as a Regional Collection Center for other area churches, civic organizations, schools and businesses.

For more information, call The Orchard at 970-963-8773, ext. 104.