Though the leaves have hardly begun to turn, Wrangell’s Ministerial Association is already thinking about Christmas as it prepares for its annual gift drive.
For the past 15 years, Wrangell volunteers have loaded and wrapped up shoe boxes for Operation: Christmas Child, which gathers up and spreads the holiday cheer to children worldwide. The annual drive is a program of Samaritan’s Purse International Relief, a nondenominational Christian aid organization.
“We’re making it a community effort this year,” explained Deanna Reeves, an organizer. The target date for the boxing is set for Oct. 17, likely around lunchtime between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. “We’re planning on doing it at the Nolan Center,” she added.
Boxes are typically filled with gift items like toys, clothing, trinkets, hygiene accessories, school stationary and spiritual materials, and they are aimed at children of different age and gender groupings.
“Each year we try and put a small stuffed animal in there,” Reeves said. “Stuff for the kids that’ll be fun.”
Other items that will be included are candy, sure-fire holiday favorite, as well as cheerful letters written by the volunteers. Last year Wrangell sent out about 150 such boxes, which were collected in Anchorage for redistribution.
Those interested in participating or donating materials or who have questions about the program can contact one of the Ministerial Association churches or call Reeves at 874-3619.
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