The Samaritan's Purse: Operation Christmas Child Program wrapped up last week after another successful year of donations throughout the community. Once again this year, I filled a shoebox up with items that will brighten a child's Christmas. Such simple day-to-day items that we take for granted, but will help a child have a Christmas they won't soon forget. There were various collection locations throughout the city; I dropped mine off at Kawartha Lakes Bible College where there were an overwhelming amount of boxes ready to be shipped off for distribution. Peterborough continues to show their giving and helpful nature in so many ways, even more so at this time of year.

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Julie Morris]

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The past few years, I have made it a tradition to fill a Samaritan's Purse: Operation Child shoebox. A well thought out trip to the dollar store along with some knitted slippers and my shoebox was quick to overflow this year.

I dropped off my box at the Peterborough EMS Headquarters on Saturday. When I went there to deliver it, I was greeted by a friendly paramedic. As he led the way to where the boxes were being collected, I could not believe my eyes when I saw boxes upon boxes ready to be shipped. What an overwhelming community response to such a wonderful cause.

I will continue to do this donation every year, as I can only imagine the smiles on the children's faces on the other side of the world on the day those boxes that were packed with such care arrive for them to open.

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Julie Morris]

[Samaritan's Purse]

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