Today millions of children around the world don’t have a toothbrush to even brush their teeth. They have never received a Christmas present or ever cuddled with a stuffed animal. But, with the help of Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse that will reach 11 million children in 150 different countries, you can participate by filling a box of love here in Pagosa.
Red and green shoe boxes are waiting for you to take home and fill at Ace Hardware, Dollar General, OK Nails, United Parcel Post and Wild Flower Salon. You can also find boxes in 12 local churches. Youth clubs like 4-H and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes are busy collecting items and filling shoe box gifts, too.
Pick a boy or girl ages 2-4, 5-9 or 10-14 and go shopping for basic items like a toothbrush, washcloth, a comb or brush, flashlight, sunglasses, crayons, a coloring book, or a pencil and small notebook. Add a wow toy like a small stuffed animal, a doll, small matchbox cars or a bag of marbles. The children love personal notes and pictures from you, too.
Don’t include candy, toothpaste or soap so it can pass customs. Sticker labels are included in each box along with an envelope for postage, and the return dates and location.
Please help our little mountain town touch lives of needy children around the world this Christmas and help us reach our goal of 3,100 boxes.
Our collection week is Nov. 17-24. The drop-off location is Grace in Pagosa, 1044 Park Ave., next door to the Pagosa Lakes Property Owners Association Recreation Center. Please return you filled shoe boxes during the following times below and bring joy to a child this Christmas:
• Nov. 17-23, 1-3 p.m.
• Nov. 24, 8-10 a.m.
