November 11, 2017

Browsing headbands and hair ties at a Poplar Bluff retailer, retired school teacher Judy Russell is worried about corners. "I'm trying to be really careful," explained Russell, after she landed on a colorful multi-pack of headbands. "If you carefully fit items in, in a certain way, you can get more in there."...

Browsing headbands and hair ties at a Poplar Bluff retailer, retired school teacher Judy Russell is worried about corners.

"I'm trying to be really careful," explained Russell, after she landed on a colorful multi-pack of headbands. "If you carefully fit items in, in a certain way, you can get more in there."

Russell is debating the best way pack a shoebox, to maximize every square inch of space for what could serve as the only Christmas present for a child in need.

She gathered this week with several members of Temple Baptist and Grand Avenue Baptist churches to shop for Operation Christmas Child.

The international effort asks individuals to pack a box with school supplies, personal hygiene items, toys and other presents for a child in need.

Box collections will be held from Nov. 13-20, said Carol Morgan, who helps organize the drop-off location at Temple Baptist's annex building. Temple Baptist, at 1813 Barron Road, serves as one of several relay stations in the area.

"I hope they feel the love that goes into it," said Sunjoo Horn of Poplar Bluff, a Temple Baptist member packing gifts for two boys and two girls. "I enjoy it, thinking about their excitement when they open it."

Horn was debating on a row of small jewel-toned T-shirts, as she recalled her own childhood in Korea.

"I come form a country where most kids don't know about Jesus. I hope they find Jesus," said Horn.

Humanitarian aid organization Samaritan's Purse adds a gospel track to each box with simple lessons about Jesus Christ. It is printed in the language of the children receiving the box.

The organization has collected and delivered more than 135 million shoeboxes to children in more than 150 countries and territories since 1993.

"Any little thing you put in those boxes is just a blessing to them," said Phyllis Lawson, 79, of Temple Baptist. "But the most important thing is the message that goes with the box."

Pam Kirk has seen the videos of children receiving their gifts and read testimonials from individuals who have gone on to work for Samaritan's Purse after receiving a shoebox.

Their reactions reinforce how important this effort is, according to Kirk, the wife the Rev. Greg Kirk, pastor of Grand Avenue Baptist and director of the United Gospel Rescue Mission.

"This is something you can actively be a part of," Kirk added.

For most of the participants, there's a strategy to selecting items and packing a shoebox.

School supplies and soap are a must for every box, according Joann Morgan, of Grand Avenue Baptist.

Morgan was packing a box for older children. Some church members said these age ranges can receive fewer donations than the younger children.

Boxes should be backed with a boy or girl and specific age range in mind. Age ranges are 2-4 years, 5-9 years and 10-14 years.

Shoeboxes can include toys, personal care items, clothing and accessories, crafts and activities and a personal note.

Do not include candy, toothpaste, used or damaged items, war-related toys, drink mixes, liquids or lotions, medications or vitamins, breakable items or aerosol cans.

A check of $9 should be included with donations to cover shipping expenses.

Missouri collection sites:

Butler County

Temple Baptist, Poplar Bluff

Carter County

First Assembly of God, Ellsinore

Dunklin County

Stokelan Drive Christian Church, Malden

Ripley County

Emmanuel Baptist Church, Doniphan

Stoddard County

HOPE International, Bernie

Lighthouse Christian Center, Dexter

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