Shoebox Gift program brings joy to kids and volunteers

WAITSBURG-The things we take for granted; Christmas mornings with family and friends sharing gifts and cheer. Thanks to a program that brings volunteers together to share this gift, boxes of simple gifts will soon be on their way to give children hope, encouragement, and the knowledge that people care for them. Last year the boxes went to children in Ukraine.

The Waitsburg community participated in the program by donating items for shoeboxes provided by the Samaritan's Purse International Relief Organization. Over 150 boxes have been filled with personal care items, school supplies, toys, flashlights, socks, books, and other items for this worldwide mission.

On Saturday, November 12, volunteers gathered to fill the boxes in the basement of the Presbyterian Church. The boxes will be sent to Trinity Baptist Church in Walla Walla before going to the Tri-Cities and on to one of the eight processing centers before going overseas. Organizers Margie Huwe and Barb Abbey are very appreciative of the community involvement.

In 2020, Becky Huwe was volunteering at a medical clinic in Burundi and saw firsthand the gratitude of children receiving these shoeboxes of gifts. It was a very emotional experience that she said she would never forget.

The Waitsburg community will continue yearly with this project, and donations are always welcomed and appreciated.