Linda Dyck of Hepburn (left to right), Twila Norris of Dinsmore, Bonnie Jean Low and Mary Lynne Golphy of Davidson prepare gift boxes in Calgary for Operation Christmas Child (Photo by Frank King – Samaritan’s Purse Canada)

Hepburn resident Linda Dyck joined Davidson residents Mary Lynne Golphy (right) and Bonnie Jean Low in travelling all the way to Calgary to help inspect Operation Christmas Child gift-filled shoeboxes at the headquarters of Samaritan’s Purse.

It’s the sixth year Mary Lynne and Bonnie Jean have made the trip, and second year for Linda.

Once they’ve been inspected (to ensure none of the contents can scare or harm a child, or cause any customs problems), hundreds of thousands of shoeboxes packed by generous Canadians like those in Heburn and Davidson go to countries in Central America and west Africa. There, they are given to children who, in many cases, have never received a gift in their lives.

Bonnie Jean called her volunteer time at Samaritan’s Purse “a rewarding experience, knowing you hare helping to share God’s love.”

“Every year you go home (from inspecting shoeboxes) feeling better,” said Mary Lynne.

“It’s an amazing experience, just serving children who have nothing” Linda noted.

Gazette readers can still pack shoeboxes full of toys, school supplies and hygiene items for children in need. Just visit www.PackaBox.ca and do it online.