Operation Christmas Child kicks off Sept. 30 in capital

It’s shoebox gift time again. Operation Christmas Child (OCC) P.E.I. will be launching the fall campaign with their annual kick-off event on Friday, Sept. 30, at 6:45 p.m. The event will take place at the new regional collection centre at Grace Baptist Church, 50 Kirkdale Rd., Charlottetown, and feature a truly inspirational guest speaker.

“We’re so pleased to be welcoming Kendra Shields, OCC Canada’s domestic field manager, as our special speaker this year. She is sure to inspire and motivate you and your team with her stories from the many shoebox distribution trips she has led,” says Christina Lehmann, OCC P.E.I.’s area co-ordinator and regional logistics.

The theme this year is International Film Festival. In addition to hearing from Shields, there will be three videos showing the impact Operation Christmas Child is having around the world.

OCC is one of the most popular programs of Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief and development organization doing tremendous work worldwide. For OCC, individuals, families, churches, schools and business and civic groups all participate in filling shoeboxes with school supplies, hygiene and personal items, small clothing, toys and other small gifts. These shoebox gifts are then sent all over the world to literally millions of the neediest children.

“Over the past two years we’ve doubled the number of shoebox gifts from the Island,” says Lehmann. “We’re looking forward to another great season this year.”

Popcorn and fellowship with fellow-packers and OCC leaders will follow the presentation. Displays of packed shoeboxes and the promotional materials will be on display. Shoebox supplies and some promotional items will also be available at this time. Come enjoy the evening and share the vision and excitement.

For more information about the program, visit www.samaritanspurse.ca or locally by contacting Christina Lehmann at 902-314-0616, email: clehmann@eastlink.ca.