Volunteers help ReStore pack gifts for Operation Christmas Child

David R. Jennings/For the Times-Call

Madison Miller, right, and Tim Bray put candy and prizes into gift boxes for children that will be donated to Operation Christmas Child.

David R. Jennings / For the Times-Call

Tim Bray helps pack gift boxes at the St. Vrain Valley Restore store in Longmont that will be donated to Operation Christmas Child, a Samaritan’s Purse project.

By Andy McClure

St. Vrain Valley Habitat for Humanity ReStore manager

Volunteers filled just over 100 shoe boxes with candy, Bibles, toy cars, Beanie Babies, school supplies, toiletries, hats, socks and small toys at the St. Vrain Valley Habitat for Humanity ReStore on Nov. 15. The boxes will be sent to developing nations around the world to share the Love of Christ this Christmas season through Operation Christmas Child.

This was the first year that the ReStore held the packing party, and we will do it again next year. The reason that the ReStore held the packing party was to say thank you to Samaritan’s Purse. Operation Christmas Child is a program run by Samaritan’s Purse out of Boone, N.C. They also offer disaster relief services and were the first outside group to come to Longmont last fall to assist the community with clean up following the flood.

We will collect small toys, toiletries, schools supplies and the like for next year’s packing party. If anyone wants to donate, they can drop off items at the ReStore, 1351 Sherman Drive, Longmont.