Shoes boxes for Operation Christmas Child are available throughout the area and must be returned by Nov. 14.
In Waupaca, preprinted shoe boxes and the packing instructions can be found at Curves, Faith Community Church, St. Mary Magadalene Catholic Community and Shepherd of the Lakes Church.
Boxes picked up at any one of those places should be returned to that particular site.
Samaritan’s Purse was founded by Franklin Graham.
Last year, about 8.5 million shoe boxes were packed in 13 countries. They were delivered to children in more than 100 countries, including parts of the United States.
Often, the children who receive the boxes are orphans, children who have experienced loss through natural disasters or children who live in war-torn countries. For many of them, it is the first gift they have received.
Typically, a shoe box is packed with school supplies, toiletries, a soft toy, games, hard candy and articles of clothing such as flip flops and T-shirts for warm climates and scarves, hats, socks and mittens for cold climates.
All items must be new and have to fit into one shoe box.
Last summer, a young woman, who is a Samaritan’s Purse Youth, visited Shepherd of the Lakes church to share her experience of traveling to Panama with 18 other students to help deliver shoe boxes.
Worldwide, the need is greater than ever, and Operation Christmas Child is an activity that families can do together.
For more information, call Sally Christie at 715-258-9951.