Operation Christmas Child

11-21-09

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By Marc Strauss

Story Published: Nov 21, 2009 at 1:05 PM CST

Story Updated: Nov 21, 2009 at 6:26 PM CST

Santa Claus doesn't live in East Peoria, but his spirit does.

The city's collection site for a charity called "Operation Christmas Child" is the largest in the country.

Shoe boxes packed with toys and other gifts can be dropped off at United Facilities at 603 North Main Street. They're not loaded onto a sleigh, but they are delivered to kids in over 100 countries.

"This is our 14th collections season here in East Peoria for Operation Christmas Child," said William Wright. "The first year we collected 1,800 shoe boxes and last year we collected over 51,000 shoe boxes.
The total over the 13 years that we've collected is over 360,000 shoe boxes that we send to needy children around the world."

In all, 5–million shoe boxes will be delivered this year. You can learn more about the program and how to donate at www.samaritanspurse.org .

Sunday, Nov 22 at 4:10 PM Woman in Mission wrote ...

Way to go OCC volunteers and those who donate! It wasn't the spirit of Santa Claus. OCC is the loving witness of caring Christians spreading God's love to those in need. It is a mission close to my heart! And, by the way, I have seen video of the boxes delivered on dog sled, sleigh, boat, and camel :) Check out the website! To God be the glory, great things He has done!

Sunday, Nov 22 at 1:04 PM deborah wrote ...

How heartwarming to read a story like this. I hope operation Christmas child goes on forever. It is the closest thing to heaven these children receive. May God bless each and everyone of the donors and the children that receive the shoeboxes!

Sunday, Nov 22 at 10:56 AM uCHRISTLIVEs "Christ Lives in Us" wrote ...

May God bless that these boxes go towards needy children. May these boxes provide a light of nourishment of God, our Father, and the light of the world.

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