Operation Christmas joy

HAYDEN — Maple Street Community Church has a small congregation of about 50. On Thursday, it delivered a monster-sized gift of 428 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. 

When the last boxes came through the doors at Anthem Church on a gray, rainy afternoon, a cheer rose from the volunteers in the foyer. 

“It's a lot of work, but the work is fun because we know where it’s going and it’s going to help a lot of children,” said Larry Hull, who attends the Hayden church.  

OCC’s National Collection Week started Monday. That’s when churches, organizations, families, individuals and others drop off the distinctive red and green boxes they’ve been filling for months. 

The boxes contain toys, school supplies, hygiene items, other surprises and a gospel message. They bring delight to children in countries who otherwise would likely have nothing for Christmas. 

Volunteer Nancy Hartwig said she loves that the program sends gifts and the word of God around the world, and anyone can do it. 

“And yet, we’re still at home,” she said. 

Last year, the North Idaho drive brought in nearly 18,000 shoeboxes that were bound for boys and girls overseas. This year, it looks like the tally may top 20,000, which would be a record. 

"Twenty thousand has been our goal for a couple of years,” said Erica Auten, OCC North Idaho area coordinator. 

If they hit it, “that would be super exciting. We’ll have a big celebration,” Auten said. 

Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international relief organization. Since 1993, OCC has delivered more than 200 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories.

Locals have done their part. 

In the past 10 years, North Idaho has collected more than 100,000 shoeboxes for OCC, with volunteers helping year-round. Auten said their box count increases about 10% each year, and with more volunteers, she is confident they could do even better.

Volunteer Walt Allard said he believes the growth is due to more people learning that OCC has such an impact on so many youths and their families. It gives them hope for the present and the future.

“The shoeboxes are a real blessing,” Allard said. 

Chris Maiani, also with Maple Street Community Church, said they prepare OCC shoeboxes throughout the year. But there’s more to it than tangible gifts. 

“We love it because we are spreading the gospel message of Jesus Christ,” she said.

Shoeboxes can still be dropped off at Anthem Church, 251 W. Miles Ave., today and Saturday from noon to 2 p.m.; 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday.  

    Chris Maiani, center, chats with others after delivering shoeboxes of gifts for Operation Christmas Child at Anthem Church on Thursday.
  

    Larry Hull prays over shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child on Thursday at Anthem Church in Hayden.
  

    Craig Hartwig carries Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes at Anthem Church on Thursday.