The Operation Christmas Child Shoebox 2014 campaign collection figures are now in for the East Kootenay and the rest of Canada. This year’s campaign was late getting off the ground.

Local Operation Christmas Child spokesperson Gary Cavers indicated additional volunteer campaign team members were needed, to replace members who were unable to continue due to health and personal commitments.

The new local committee under the direction of chairperson Pamela Berry and assisted by Joanne Wiens, spearheaded the local collection of 2,443 gift filled shoeboxes which were sent to needy children in poorer counties around the world.

Several, new enthusiastic volunteers from various local churches came forward and as a result the 2014 campaign was able to successfully continue. The Cranbrook Alliance Church remained as the local church sponsor.

Worldwide, the 2014 campaign has been tremendously supported. B.C. collected 94,303 gift filled boxes and the Canadian collection total was 700,474. Operation Christmas Child began in 1993 under the direction of Samaritan Purse. Since this date, worldwide, over 100 million gift filled shoe boxes have been distributed to needy children in more than 100 countries on six continents (all but Antarctica).

Cavers said the team of local volunteers and needy children extend their thanks to all the businesses, individuals and families who made the East Kootenay 2014 campaign such a success.

We are already anxious to get an early start launching Operation Christmas Child again this year. New volunteers have already indicated their desire to help with the up and coming campaign.

For more information contact Pamela Berry at 250-919-0655 or Gary Cavers at 250-426-1948.

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