Operation Christmas child shoeboxes delivered

The Rev. Arthur Myers, minister at First Baptist Church, dedicated 101 brightly wrapped shoeboxes on Sunday, before they were shipped off to North Carolina for delivery to children around the world at Christmas time.
These boxes joined thousands of other boxes in Maine which joined with many thousands from around the U.S. to form the incredible number of over 8 million boxes delivered to impoverished children around the globe.
    For over 10 years, First Baptist has participated in this worthwhile outreach, which brings joy to children who might otherwise never experience the excitement of a box filled with presents just for them. Each box has a washcloth, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, along with a stuffed animal, pair of socks, pencils and paper and whatever else has been gathered to put a smile on a young face.
There are six categories of ages and gender and the appropriate items go in for that aged child. Operation Christmas Child is a program of Samaritan’s Purse founded by Franklin Graham and they provide booklets translated for each child receiving a box telling them of God’s love as shown through these gifts.
“Many thanks are given to TD Bank, Key Bank, Bangor Savings, Machias Bank and the Pioneer Times who were all generous in their contributions of yo-yo’s, crayons, sidewalk chalk, paper, pens, rulers, etc,” Myers said. “Marden’s provided most of the 101 shoeboxes as well as the cartons for shipping. When we were finished the boxes were overflowing as was the joy and excitement to pack over a hundred. The final act was to drive the boxes to Presque Isle to the drop off center. It’s a perfect demonstration of community cooperation and congregational spirit.”