Wadena-Deer Creek National Honor Society is asking the school and community help fill shoeboxes filled with goodies for less-fortunate children in foreign countries.
NHS senior students Hannah Vorderbruggen and Kendra Evans are organizing this global project called "Operation Christmast Child," which is an organization that sends shoeboxes to children around the world filled with toys, clothing, and other items children may need.
"Many of these children have never received a Christmas gift and we want this great opportunity to change a child's life by giving them a shoebox filled with goodies," said Vorderbruggen, whose church has organized this effort for several years.
NHS is asking WDC students, families and the community to bring items to the school that will fit inside a shoebox. These items include toys, school supplies and hygiene items. Examples of toys are balls, dolls, stuffed animals, trucks, puppets, musical instruments, jump ropes and so on. School supplies include pens, pencils, crayons, markers, notebooks, paper and coloring books. Hygiene products include toothbrushes, bar soap, combs, washcloths, etc.
"You don't need to spend a lot of money on these items. It's the thought that counts," said Evans. "Also, please remember that the items need to be small so we can fit lots of items in a shoebox."
They are also asking that individuals not include the following: damaged items, war-related items like toy guns, knives or military figures, chocolate or out-of-date candy, no liquids, medications, breakable items or aerosol cans.
Furthermore, if individuals not able to purchase items, but would like to help, NHS is accepting monetary donationse money. "We have shoppers who are willing to buy items for the shoeboxes with your donation," said Vorderbruggen.
Collection and donation boxes are set up in the WDC Middle/High School office. NHS is accepting donations through Oct. 30.
"Thank you for giving to our global project," added Vorderbruggen.