by CONNIE TABBERT
Editor
FORESTERS FALLS — The red and green box is sitting on the kitchen table. The instructions of what to put inside the box are inside it. On the cover, it says Operation Christmas Child Samaritan’s Purse.
The box is just under 11 inches long, seven inches wide and four-and-a-quarter inches deep. Suggestions for inside include dolls, soccer balls (with needle and pump), stuffed animals, socks, hair clips, cars, musical instruments, puzzles, jump ropes, etc.; school supplies such as pencils, pens, crayons, notebooks, colouring books; non-liquid hygiene items, such as toothbrushes, a bar of soap, washcloths, combs, etc., and writing a personal note and including a photo.
There’s also a list of what not to include, such as food or candy, toothpaste, used items, breakable items, playing cards, things that may scare or harm a child or items that could freeze.
I remember many years ago when I used to fill one of these boxes each year. Last year, a friend told me members of her church had just filled theirs and they were getting ready to be shipped out.
I was surprised to hear this, as I didn’t know the boxes were around anymore.
This year, I knew Derek McLaughlin in Beachburg had something to do with the boxes, so I called him.
“My role with Operation Christmas Child is I’m the collection centre for Samaritan’s Purse,” he said.
Explaining, he noted for all the various churches and organizations involved with Operation Christmas Child, they will drop off their filled boxes at Cobden Pentecostal Church.
This is the first year Mr. McLaughlin is in charge with his church, Cobden Pentecostal Church. For years, it was the Pembroke Pentecostal Church, but due to changes, a new person in charge was needed.
“It’s a great program so I volunteered,” he said.
Years ago, he and his family filled a box and helped pack them up, he recalled.
“It’s a great program,” Mr. McLaughlin said. “I saw my kids lift up when they packed up the boxes. Listening to the testimonials of what the operation does for kids, I think it’s fantastic.
“I think it’s worth my time.”
There are about 20 to 30 churches in Renfrew County and Cobden is the drop-off. He noted there is a drop-off in Arnprior as well.
The drop-off dates for Cobden is Monday, Nov. 14 through to Thursday, Nov. 17, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 18 is 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 19, noon to 3 p.m. and the final day is Sunday, Nov. 20, 2 to 5 p.m.
Most churches make arrangements to have their boxes brought all at once, he said.
“We won’t have 500 cars coming in and out of the church parking lot in an evening,” he said.
Mr. McLaughlin noted this is a non-denominational project, with all religions, as well as non-religious, organizations participating.
Those who don’t attend a church, he said a box can be picked up at Giant Tiger in Pembroke or by contacting him.
On Tuesday, Nov. 22, the transport truck picking up the hundreds of boxes will be at the Cobden Pentecostal Church.
“I reached out to the OPP and they’re coming to help load the boxes onto the truck,” Mr. McLaughlin said, adding, “They have expressed that they want to help take part in that with their auxiliary, as long as there’s no major crisis happening.”
The school board, who is also his employer, is working with him as well, noting Renfrew Collegiate Institute is involved. He’s hoping next year to get more schools involved.
Mr. McLaughlin said there are many reasons for people to become involved in Operation Christmas Child.
“When my kids do it, it kind of makes them appreciate what they have and don’t have,” he said. “It helps kids realize, ‘oh my goodness if I never had a toy in the world, what toy would I want to have.’
“It brings the family together on different discussions on how much grace we have in Canada,” he said, adding, “It’s a great way, without going to the religious side, it’s a great way just to do kind things for other people, which is what Canada is all about. Right?”
On the religious side, Mr. McLaughlin said, “It’s an amazing thing to be able to give non-Christian communities the opportunity to experience the grace of Christmas and the grace of God.”
Mr. McLaughlin noted while this year’s project isn’t yet over, he and wife Ginette are already making plans for next year.
“We can’t wait to get the community more involved,” he said. “But, we’re taking baby steps.
“You’re going to see more boxes around next year. We’re going to grow it.”
Read next week’s issue of Whitewater News to see what I filled my box with. If you have a box, take a photo of what you included and email it to [email protected]. I’ll post the photos online.
