Charity thinks inside the shoe box for relief

Old shoe boxes will be revived as Samaritan’s Purse gears up for its annual collection drive for Operation Christmas Child.

The boxes will be filled with goodies for children in need and sent around the world on trains, planes and, possibly, a camel or two.

Operation Christmas Child brings gifts to children in more than 100 countries affected by natural disaster, war, terrorism, disease, famine and poverty.

Samaritan’s Purse is an international Christian relief and evangelism organization headed by Franklin Graham.

Huntington Beach residents donated 6,803 boxes last year, and organizers hope to boost the number up to 7,500.

Anyone can help by packing a shoe box with school supplies, toys, necessity items, hard candy and a letter and bringing it to Calvary Chapel Huntington Beach from Monday to Nov. 23.

Residents can track their boxes to find out what country they are delivered to by making a donation online. Donations are suggested at $7, but any amount can be entered.

The church will be accepting boxes from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at 7800 Edinger Ave. For more information, go to www.samaritanspurse.org.

— Britney Barnes