Sidney again participating in international Christmas drive

The collection of gifts and toys for children in need through Operation Christmas Child is nearing its deadline. The process is again going smoothly this year.

Cheryl McKenzy took over Operation Christmas Child in Sidney for Cindi Perry this time around and points out there are a few days left for those who wish to donate.

Operation Christmas Child is an international program put on by Samaritan’s Purse, and has given shoeboxes filled with clothes, school supplies, toys and/or toiletries to over 100 million children in 130 other countries in need since 1993.

All gift items are donated and boxes are packed and labeled for age and gender. Those who donate shoeboxes can track them online to see which country it goes to.

Operation Christmas Child is a Christian initiative. Though collection week is drawing to a close, if you want to get involved, the Pastor of the Evangelical Free Church is taking the youth group to the Denver collection site (where boxes are packaged to be shipped) through the first week of December.

“It’s a great way to spread the joy of sharing God’s love with children in need,” McKenzy said. “We ask everybody to pray for the kids that receive the boxes.”

To find out about getting involved, how to pack a shoebox or tracking, visit http://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/.