Operation Christmas Child

Once again this year, St Philip's is participating in Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritan's Purse. Participating members fill a shoe box with school supplies, toys and hygiene items, and label the box for the age and sex for whom the gift is appropriate. The shoeboxes are brought to the church, and a pile grows in front of the altar. We then take them to the local collection centre, from there they head off to a developing country somewhere in the world.

Working with local missionaries and churches, Samaritan's Purse distributes the boxes to children in inner-city slums, impoverished villages and refugee camps.

For the last several years, St Philip's has annually collected between 80 and 100 shoeboxes. Members of all ages get involved. Shirley Aubin knits little stuffed animals, just the right size to fit in the shoeboxes, and sells them to other parishioners for $1, the proceeds going to the church. Some members fill one shoebox; others prepare 3 or more.

This year's collection Sunday is November 18. Shoeboxes can be picked up at the church, or you can be creative and wrap a shoebox that you have sitting around the house.

- Rev. J.B. Pratt