Donations Taken Year Round for Christmas Child

A holiday collection effort from donors across the Eastern Upper Peninsula gathered 3,514 gift-filled shoe boxes in Manistique for Operation Christmas Child. The boxes filled with candy, gifts, and personal care items were sent to underprivileged children around the world, the agency reported February 6.

Gifts for children overseas can still be sent year around to Samaritan's Purse at 801 Bamboo Road, North Carolina, 28607.

Volunteers can also participate in the effort year around, by knitting, quilting, or crocheting blankets and other gifts. More information about volunteering is available from Dianna DeYoung, the Operation Christmas Child coordinator for northern Michigan, at (231) 922-9881.