Time to support Operation Christmas Child

5 years ago

The Mars Hill Rotary Club met on Tuesday, Oct. 30, at the Aroostook Health Center.  Guest speaker Erica McCrum spoke about Operation Christmas Child and how the local community has rallied around this project.  

Last year, there were over 1,300 boxes sent out from the central Aroostook area.  Now, with the program in its 25th year, she hopes we are able to beat that number.

Each box contains, in addition to items geared toward a girl or boy in a certain age range, a booklet containing the Good News of the Gospel.  Bibles are also available in their local language as well as a follow-up program set up through local churches.

Madeline Tweedie, 14 months old, was not sure about the camera as she attended the Trunk or Treat event at the Mars Hill Full Gospel Assembly on Halloween night 2018. (Courtesy of Tomi Henderson)

The first year, in just a few short weeks, churches filled 28,000 boxes that were sent to war-torn Bosnia.  Even in that first year, boxes contained just the right things for the children who received them. For instance, a girl who was wearing a pair of wired-together sneakers received a box with a pair of brand-new white sneakers — in just the right size. She is now living in the United States with a family of her own and is very involved with Operation Christmas Child.

In 2017, there were over 8.9 million boxes sent out from the U.S. Local boxes sent out over the past four years have gone to 11 different countries.

Each child saved makes every box worth the small effort it takes.  Give like someone’s soul depends on it — it just might.

Aroostook Health Center

Upcoming events for the week of Nov. 7-13 include: Wednesday will feature Beauty Parlor at 8:30 a.m., Residents Council at 9:30 a.m., Table Tennis at 1:30 p.m. and United Baptist Church and East Ridge Union Church at 6:30 p.m.  Thursday will feature Beauty Parlor at 8:30 a.m., Bingo at 9:30 a.m. and Men’s Coffee Group at 1:30 p.m. Friday will feature Pokeno at 9:30 a.m. and Music by The Countrymen at 1:30 p.m. Saturday will feature Bingo with Paula at 1:30 p.m.  Sunday will have televised church in the day room. Monday is Veteran’s Day and will be a free day. Special thanks to all those who have served our country in some way. Tuesday will feature Beauty Parlor at 8:30 a.m., Bingo at 9:30 a.m. and Card Games at 1:30 p.m.  

All of these activities are subject to change. If you would like to volunteer to help with any of these activities, call Connie or Vicki at 768-4915.

Library Happenings

Coming soon will be a presentation by photographer Paul Cyr.  Watch for more info on a date for this.

Other upcoming events will be wreath making, ugly sweater, paint ‘n sip and more.

Please let the library know if you have other ideas for programs and events.

Music Night

Thursday Night Music is back in Bridgewater.  From 6 to 9 p.m. every Thursday, stop by the Historical Building for some rousing music to dance to or just sit and enjoy listening to.

Bingo

The William Cousins Post 118 of Mars Hill will host Bingo on Saturday evening beginning at 7 p.m. at the Post. There are cash prizes. Refreshments are available.

Tomi Henderson is the correspondent for Mars Hill, Blaine, Bridgewater and Westfield. She can be reached at 551-6791 or e-mailing tomihen@yahoo.com.