The numbers are in. A whooping 899 precious shoebox gifts left Barrhead to bless needy children in Central and South America, West Africa, Nepal, Haiti and Ukraine. That figure is the highest number of boxes since Herb and Derra Mantey started coordinating the program through the Barrhead Alliance Church in 2008. Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse which is an international disaster relief and development ministry.
In addition to the shoeboxes, cartons of warm winter items like toques, mitts, scarves and socks were sent to countries like Ukraine who experience cold weather conditions. The generosity and kindness shown by Canadians will long be remembered by those whose hands were cold but are now warm because they received a pair of woolly mitts.
A total of 231 colorful blankets were also donated. Many of them are homemade quilted blankets sewn specifically for charitable organizations. Each blanket is unique, well-thought out and sewn with love.
The Manteys believe that the Ukraine project has generated genuine concern and compassion because of the war there. The 2015 Canadian goal is to send 20,000 shoeboxes to Ukraine. Last year 23,121 shoebox gifts were shipped to Ukraine surpassing the 20,000 goal.
The Manteys are pleasantly surprised at the overwhelming response considering that Barrhead suffered a drought this year and the downturn in the economy. They would like to thank everyone who participated, sewed, knitted, crocheted, shopped, packed boxes and prayed for the child who will receive it. Special recognition to Neerlandia Coop for transporting the cartons to Edmonton where they will be loaded on trucks bound for Calgary’s Processing Centre.
