October 6th News
Operation Christmas Child
Red and Green shoeboxes are being distributed at Hanover and Carlsruhe Masses this weekend (regular shoe boxes may also be used). Be sure to secure your gift with an elastic). Inside you will find a pamphlet explaining packing details and a list of suggested items. This year Canadian shoebox gifts will be distributed in West Coast Africa: The Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone, Senegal, and Cape Verde (first time ever receiving shoeboxes), Central America: Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Ukraine and Philippines.
Extra shoeboxes will be available in the narthex at Holy Family and in the entrance at St. Francis Xavier. Please help yourself. Boxes are being collected for Father’s blessing on Nov.16-17.
Please pray for teams in our receiving countries as they make connections with churches and groups to arrange distributions. Please pray for the children who will be blessed with God’s Love and Mercy. If you have any questions or need more shoeboxes please call Anne at 519-373-2063 or Sharon at 519-375-4742.
September 29th News
Operation Christmas Child 2024
Our Holy Family Operation Christmas Child team is gearing up for the fall season! There are 4 ways, you, at Holy Family Parish, can support this important global ministry.
1) You may choose to pack shoebox gifts yourself or with friends and family members. We will be distributing empty shoeboxes at the weekend Masses on Oct. 5, in Hanover and Carlsruhe. Packing a box of gifts for a needy child, is a great way to share the abundance we are blessed to enjoy in Canada. For children who sometimes lack basic necessities, receiving a gift lovingly packed by someone they have never met, leaves a significant impression, and provides an opportunity for churches to reach out with further assistance to families who are struggling.
Boxes will include pamphlets describing how to pack your gift, and a list of suggested items. You may also use street shoeboxes.
Packed shoeboxes will be blessed by Father at the Masses on Nov. 16 weekend.
2) You may make a monetary donation to our team (either cash or cheque, made out to one of our members). We will purchase extra supplies to complete gifts using many donations from our area.
3) You may make a monetary donation to assist with shipping of our locally packed boxes. Last year, as a team, we packed 253 shoebox gifts, many of which included locally sewn and crocheted blankets and quilts. In order to receive a tax receipt, please make cheques for $20 or more, payable to Operation Christmas Child Canada or Samaritan’s Purse Canada.
4) You may make donations of hand crafted items, hygiene items, school supplies, stuffed items or new clothing. Please label as OCC items and leave at the office or call a team member for pick up.
What a great way to serve God, especially at Thanksgiving!
Please watch the bulletin for further updates. For more information call Anne at 519-373-2063 or Sharon at 519-375-4742.
