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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Tuesday, November 19, 2002

T-shirts, school supplies, among items welcomed

 •  Sunday is last day to send children shoeboxes of aloha

By Walter Wright
Advertiser Staff Writer

It's easy to participate in Operation Christmas Child.

First, find an empty shoebox and wrap the lid separately — the box has to be opened for Customs inspection before the child receives it.

Then decide if the gift is to be for a boy or a girl, and the age group: 2-4, 5-9 or 10-14.

"I'm focusing on boys," Hawai'i Coordinator Rebecca Hawley said, "because 50 percent of all the boxes we get are for girls aged 5-9. I think it's because things for girls that age are fun to shop for."

Small toys (no war-related items, knives or guns for action figures, please), school supplies, hygiene items, children and teen-size T-shirts and socks, and hard candy or gum are among the items welcomed, along with a photo of the donor and a note or Christmas card, Hawley said.

The charity is sponsored by the Samaritan's Purse religious organization based in North Carolina. A $5 check to Samaritan's Purse will help cover shipping costs.

Boxes can be dropped off at the Matson container at Joy of Christ Lutheran Church, 784 Kamehameha Highway in Pearl City, 3 to 6:30 p.m. weekdays, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Donors should call (800) 395-9698 for information and detailed instructions. They can also log on to www.samaritanspurse.org.