Valley Bible Church hosts packing party for Operation Christmas Child next Friday

WARWICK ­— The amazing journey of a simple shoebox gift begins with you.
That's the message of Samaritan's Purse, a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization run by Franklin Graham that is sponsoring Operation Christmas Child to distribute gifts for needy children. .
Operation Christmas Child collects shoeboxes, filled with gifts and delivers them to poor children in over 100 countries.
Pastors and community leaders are trained in distributing the shoebox gifts to bless the children and share the Gospel message through the booklet "The Greatest Gift" in their own language.
Here in Warwick, members of the Valley Bible Church, 46 Ronald Reagan Blvd. in Merchant Square are currently collecting items and packing shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. And the church is having a "packing party" next Friday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m.
"Parents often use this project to teach their children about giving," said Valley Bible Church Trustee Sharon Houston. "Everyone interested is invited to come and help."
The shoeboxes are packed locally and then from November 13-20 go to a distribution center and from there to children in all parts of the world.
Those who wish to contribute should choose items suitable for a boy or girl ages two to four, five to nine, or 10 to 14.
Items that can be included are: stuffed animals, dolls, balls, school supplies, hygiene and personal care items, soccer ball with pump, crafts, clothing items, fun toys etc.
However do not include candy, toothpaste, war related items such as toy guns and soldiers, knives, food of any kind, medications or vitamins, breakable items, glass containers or aerosol cans.
You can pack your own shoebox or use one of the pre-printed ones available at Valley Bible Church, or just drop off items to be packed,
The Church is open on Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to noon.
- Roger Gavan