BLAINE, Maine — Operation Christmas Child will host a special “Celebration Event” on Saturday, Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the CEF Youth Center at 24 Military Road.
Operation Christmas Child, is a division of the Samaritan’s Purse Organization and it is the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind.
Operation Christmas Child spreads Good News and Great Joy by using gift-filled shoeboxes to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world, according to a press release. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child, has collected and delivered more than 145 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 150 countries and territories.
Several churches in Aroostook County have been involved in this project in the past and officials hope to increase the number of shoeboxes sent from The County in 2017 to reach more children.
The event is open to all ages and lunch will be provided free of charge. The program will feature information about Operation Christmas Child, praise and worship music as well as two special speakers — Cecil Polydore and Peter Gorczok.
Polydore is the Northeast Regional Manager for Operation Christmas Child and is travelling to Blaine from New York. He will provide an enthusiastic story-telling of how shoeboxes are making an impact around the world.
Gorczok is the regional area coordinator for Maine and will speak on his recent trip to distribute shoeboxes in Rwanda.
Shoe-boxes will also be available for people to take home and pack as well as other information about Operation Christmas Child. For more information contact Erica McCrum at ejshaw@yahoo.com or at 227-7678.
