A national gift drive is again making its way to Borderland.
KBHW Psalm FM is working as a drop-off center for Operation Christmas Child, a gift drive from Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief and evangelism organization. The project is in its 22nd year of gift giving; the radio station has been involved for 16 years.
The annual Samaritan’s Purse project aims to encourage International Falls residents, families, churches and groups to fill shoeboxes with an item like a doll or soccer ball, or other fun toys, school supplies, hygiene items and notes of encouragement. Items such as liquids, lotions, chocolate or food, medications or vitamins, used or damaged items, and war-related items like toy guns, knives, or military figures, should not be included. The effort is the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind, said a news release.
“Through the simple act of filling a shoebox, someone in International Falls can make a tangible difference in the life of a child halfway around the world. Anyone can participate and bring joy to a child facing difficult circumstances,” said Regional Director Nicole Sheldon.
During National Collection Week, Nov. 16-23, the project’s organizers hope International Falls residents will contribute to the more than 8,300 gift-filled shoeboxes from surrounding counties toward the 2015 global goal of reaching 11 million children in need.
Kimberly Nyborg, Psalm FM, said the number of shoeboxes collected locally have declined over the years and last year, only 321 were gathered.
“I’m thankful for anything we receive,” she said. “But we are hopeful to collect more this year.”
Those interested in giving can drop off a gift-filled shoebox between Nov. 16-23 at Psalm FM radio station, 4090 Highway 11, International Falls. Drop off times are: 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Nov. 16-20; 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 21; 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 22; and 6 to 8 a.m. Nov. 23.
Nyborg said a good way to become involved in the project is to make it a group effort.
“It is fun and you might assign those in your group to buy tooth brushes and toothpaste for however many boxes you are doing and then the others can get that many of other items,” she said. “Plan a packing day or evening and have fun putting your box together. This is also a great project for a Sunday school class or a classroom. It gets people excited about the mission.”
Nyborg said when thinking of the millions of families struggling during the holidays around the world, she knows they need hope. This effort can help with that, she said.
“This shoe box brings things that most of these kids will never see,” she said. “They will have joy and also receive the message of hope that has the opportunity to go back to their entire family.”
