MANITOULIN—Since 1997, folks from across Manitoulin have participated in the humanitarian efforts of Samaritans Purse in the annual Shoebox collection. The shoeboxes packed and collected each year are sent to children in countries where there may be poverty, famine, disease, natural disaster, war or a combination of these circumstances. All are needy!
Shoeboxes are given to children regardless of race, religion or gender. They are distributed in communities, schools, orphanages and hospitals under the leadership of a team made up of local officials, pastors, teachers and other trained volunteers. Religious follow-up is available to children who make the choice to learn more about Christianity.
This year the shoeboxes from the processing centre in Guelph are going to Guinea, Senegal, Gambia and Ivory Coast in West Africa as well as Chile in South America and the Ukraine in Europe. If making a shoebox for the Ukraine, please leave a note on top of the box and a special label will be applied when the boxes are packed into cartons.
Shoeboxes are available at many businesses, schools and churches in Little Current, Manitowaning, Gore Bay, Mindemoya, Sheguiandah, Tehkummah, Kagawong, Silverwater, AOK, M’Chigeeng and Wiikwemkoong. Hats off to the Dollar Store in Wiikwemkoong for taking the initiative to order their supplies directly from Samaritans Purse, place them prominently at the point of entry and tag many items in their store, suitable for shoebox gifts.
So far, 12,508 shoebox gifts have been sent from Manitoulin. Please do your part in giving an unknown child a gift that brings great joy.
You can watch videos at www.samaritanspurse.org. Go to ‘pack a shoebox’ and then to ‘watch video.’
Collection week is Monday, November 13 to Sunday, November 19 at the following times: Monday and Tuesday 9 am till noon; Thursday from 2 to 5 pm, Friday from 4 to 8 pm and Saturday from 1 to 4 pm. For special arrangements call Laila at 705-368-2580 or Linda at 705-368-2863. If you have extra items they can be dropped off at Grace Bible Church. Extra shoeboxes are made up with donated items.
Remember that giving is a greater blessing than receiving.
