By MATT PIKE
St. Joseph Post
The local chapter of a program called Operation Christmas Child will soon be gathering shoeboxes of items to distribute to kids all over the world in need.
Area Coordinator Kristy Smith says the program, known more widely as the shoebox ministry, gathers special items to help children in need.
"So, we use these shoeboxes then as a way to talk to children all around the world, we'll give them a box, we tell the story of who Jesus is, how he can be your friend, and then they get to open their boxes," Smith tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.
Smith says these shoeboxes include various toys, but also other items of need
"Personal care things we call them, like a toothbrush and a washcloth, and then school supplies, because a lot of the children don't get school supplies and those before they can go to school," Smith explains. "And then, we always like people to put in a personal note, because the children love to read those notes."
The shoeboxes contain various toys, though the group always asks for a stuffed animal to be included, along with those personal care items and school supplies.
Smith says if you don't want to put a shoebox together yourself, there is an option online to have a box put together for you after choosing various items.
The chapter Smith helps lead for the project has started preparations for gathering the shoeboxes from area churches and community groups.
Smith says reception to the program has been great.
"Here in the St. Joe area last year, we did over 7,000 boxes, here within my St. Joe area which is northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas," Smith says. "So, we were able to pack and send out more than 7,000 boxes last year."
The group also does other efforts alongside the program, to help spread the word of God to the children receiving these items.
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