• Local organizers are excited to provide ways locals can serve.
The Star Valley community is rallying together for the annual Operation Christmas Child campaign, led locally by organizer Alison Rainey, as they strive to make the holiday season brighter for children around the globe. The campaign, which began on October 13 and runs until November 25, invites residents to pack shoeboxes with gifts and essential items. For many children receiving these donations, the shoebox will be their first-ever Christmas gift.
Alison Rainey is no stranger to the generosity of the Star Valley community. “Our neighbors here have always shown big hearts when it comes to helping those in need,” she said. “Operation Christmas Child is an incredible way for each of us to reach out with love and give a child a moment of hope and happiness. Just knowing that someone far away took the time to send them a gift can be life-changing.”
Residents can pick up empty shoeboxes and instructions at the Etna Community Center, Conference Room, in the green/ red collection box. Once filled, the boxes can be returned to the same location before November 25 at 9 a.m. For those unable to make a drop-off, or need to get a box, Rainey is coordinating pickups of boxes and empty box deliveries via text at 307-248- 8876.
Those who would like to donate individual items and not a full box can deliver those to River of Life in Afton.
The community-wide effort has already gained support, with families, local businesses, and organizations gathering items like school supplies, hygiene essentials, and small toys to fill the boxes. The campaign is a chance for Star Valley residents to share in the spirit of giving and directly touch the lives of children in underprivileged regions.
Suggested items for the shoeboxes include school supplies, toys, and clothing like socks and T-shirts. Due to customs restrictions, candy, gum, and toothpaste cannot be included. A full list of suggested items is available at www.samaritanspurse.org.
With a legacy of giving back, the Star Valley community is answering the call once again, showing how one small valley can make a big impact worldwide. “You may never travel to these places, but your gift will— and it can bring hope where it’s needed most,” says Rainey. After gathering all the boxes and packing any extras, Rainey and other volunteers will fill a trailer and take it to Calvary Baptist Church in Idaho Falls, which then organizes and delivers to Denver, CO to be checked and sealed before distributing to their destinations.
This holiday season, Star Valley is proving that kindness knows no borders. For those who wish to further support, donations to Samaritan’s Purse are also welcome through their website, where there is additional information about Operation Christmas Child and other relief projects.
