Published: November 14, 2008 11:36 pm      

Project aids kids from Third World countries

Area residents will have an opportunity next week to participate in a worldwide Christmas project to help children in Third World countries.

It is Operation Christmas Child, one of many projects of Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian-relief organization bringing help and hope to people in countries devastated by war, poverty, famine, disease and natural disasters.

To participate in Operation Christmas Child, all a person need do is fill a shoebox with items suitable for youngsters up to 14 years of age – school supplies, toys, necessity items, candy and a letter of encouragement.

The shoeboxes are to be taken to Belmont United Methodist Church, 107 Coldren St., Richland Township, Monday through Nov. 24.

Ruth Jean Hershberger of Richland Township is area coordinator for Operation Christmas Child.

She is being assisted by her husband, Nyle.

Both are members of Belmont United Methodist Church, but both emphasized that the project is interdenominational in scope.

Last year, 2,584 shoeboxes were collected at the Johnstown Relay Center (Belmont United Methodist), Ruth Jean Hershberger said.

This year’s goal is 4,000 boxes, she said.

Anyone who wants can contribute, Nyle Hershberger said.

“We had contributions last year from individuals, businesses, church groups, civic organizations and clubs,” he said.

“Being a relay center coordinator for the past two years has been a very rewarding experience for me,” Ruth Jean Hershberger said.

Each year, more and more groups and individuals hear about Operation Christmas Child and want to get involved, she said.

Two Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania troops filled shoeboxes for children ages

2 through 4 and 5 through 9 as part of Operation Christmas Child.

They are Troops 40905 and 40910, and the girls worked through Calvary United Methodist Church, Windber.

Packing shoeboxes can be a great family experience and, at the same time, teaches very young children the joy of sharing, Ruth Jean Hershberger noted.