Operation Christmas Child Campaign is now in full swing in Kapuskasing.
The campaign asks you to fill an empty show box with small gifts that will be sent to kids in countries hit by major environmental disasters or wars.
Local Coordinator Lisa Kowalski says many children receiving these boxes have been through trauma, and have seen nothing but fights and murder.
Kowalski says to get started you can use one of your own shoeboxes, or pick up an Operation Christmas Child one at:
- Kapuskasing Public Library
- TD Canada Trust (Model City Mall)
- St. Patrick’s Church
She says then you pick whether you are filling a box for a boy or girl in one of the following age categories:
- 2 to 4-years-old
- 5 to 9-years-old
- 10 to 14-years old
You can fill the box with items like:
- School Supplies – pens, pencils, notepads, picture books, ect.
- Toys and other gifts – stuffed animals, small instruments, hair clips, jewellery, socks
- Hygiene Items – soap in seal-able bags
- Personal Note
You are NOT allowed to include:
- Toothpaste
- Food and any candy
- Used items
- Playing cards (other card games like UNO are allowed)
- Liquids or items that can leak, melt, freeze or break – shampoo, cream, lip balm, bath gels, mirrors or glass
- Things that can scare or harm a child – war-related toys like knives and toy guns
- Backpacks instead of a shoe box
Most of this is because of customs regulations.
Once your box is filled you can bring it and a possible $10 donation to cover shipping costs to the Selke Centre.
The deadline to put together a box for this year is November 9th, as from the fifth through the ninth they will be collecting boxes at the Selke Centre from 10:00am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm to 3:00pm each day.
(With files from Mackenzie Read)
