Petra Accepting Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes
In 2020, Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan's Purse, collected more than 7.8 million shoeboxes in the United States to be sent to local partners around the world. The shoeboxes, which are filled with school supplies, hygiene items, and small toys, are sent to children in areas affected by natural disasters, famine, disease, war, or poverty. Since 2012, Petra Church, 565 Airport Road, New Holland, has been a drop-off center for boxes collected by individuals, families, churches, and other local groups.
"We collect 3,600 and 4,000 as an average," said Petra representative Andrea Kauffman, who noted that Marilyn Coles oversees the Operation Christmas Child drop-off center at Petra and takes boxes to Baltimore to be processed after they are collected. "(Coles) will take a group of about 10 (volunteers) to Baltimore to do processing," explained Kauffman.
Information about how to pack a shoebox may be found at http://www.samaritanspurse.org. "There's a whole lot of resources (there)," said Petra representative Jenny Sensenig. Actual shoeboxes or plastic boxes with snap-on lids may be used.
Kauffman noted there are some specific items that should not be included in shoeboxes. "No liquids, no toothpaste, no candy, no toy weapons," she stated. "What we say is to really think through what people will use." Kauffman recommended a T-shirt, a soccer ball and pump, flashlights and head lamps with batteries, and string bags.
Sensenig noted people should think broadly when participating in the program. "When you pack the shoebox, you want to have in mind that you're packing something special for the child that receives the box, but most of the time they will be distributing (items), so think outside of the one child because you are impacting that whole family."
Children who receive shoeboxes may choose to enroll in The Greatest Journey, a 12-lesson discipleship program that gives ministry partners a chance to develop long-term relationships with families and to share the love of Christ.
There is a cost per box to ship gifts to a child. Boxes may be dropped off at designated locations from through Monday, Nov. 22. Drop-off center hours at Petra will be noon to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 17; 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 18; noon to 3 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 19; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20; 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 21; and 10 a.m. to noon on Monday, Nov. 22. Readers who have questions about the drop-off schedule may call 717-354-5394 or email jennys@petra.church. Community members who would like to volunteer at the drop-off center may email mgcoles@aol.com.
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