The Metcalfe Shoebox Mission

By Carol Perkins

The Metcalfe Shoebox Mission (Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child) marks our third year of sending shoeboxes filled with school supplies, hygiene items, personal items, and a booklet, “Adventures of Jesus,” to hard-to-reach villages around the world. The Great Commission commands us to spread the word, and Metcalfe Countians do that, one shoebox at a time.

Thanks to the help of local seamstresses and crafters, we could provide each girl (ages 5-14) with a skirt or dress, a tote bag, necklaces and barrettes, crocheted house shoes and purses, and teddy bears (for boys included). Ladies (Marilyn Perkins, Julene Johnson, Diane Steyle, to name a few) donated fabric and their time to assist the seamstresses, and others cut out and stuffed bears. At the Metcalfe Health Care Facility, the ladies excitedly stuffed over 500 bears. The local quilting ladies (Candy Shirley and group) made skirts, and various individuals created dozens of other items. Della Pitcock made over 1,700. Students from high school and middle school helped pack boxes and label them. Laurie Butler put over 1,600 flat boxes together!     

Through our time, talents, and treasures, the mission is to share God’s love with every child. Missionaries are already there, eager to begin their classes on the Journey of Jesus and the road to salvation when the shoeboxes arrive. At the end of that time, children receive a New Testament in their language. The money spent on shipping also pays for these materials.

The Shoebox Mission will host a bake sale at the Edmonton State Bank on the Friday before Thanksgiving, November 21^st, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to raise shipping funds. We’re seeking the kindness of community bakers, who can donate their creations and bring them to the bank on Thursday afternoon or Friday morning. Let us bake your Thanksgiving desserts, ready to fill your table with deliciousness. Donations can also be made at ESB to the shoebox mission fund.