The church is participating in Operation Christmas Child, a yearly evangelical project by Samaritan's Purse, a Christian nonprofit organization.
Donations of shoe boxes with separate lids (boxes and lids must be wrapped separately for inspection prior to shipping), Christmas wrap, tape, large rubber bands, and gifts such as school supplies, small toys, hard candy and hygiene items.
Needed items are listed on the church website.
Items can be dropped off at the church on Sunday mornings before the 10:30 a.m. worship service. Other arrangements for drop-offs can be made by calling the office, 201-843-6672.
Funds are also needed to cover the $7 shipping cost of each shoe box. Mail checks payable to The First Reformed Church of Saddle Brook, 5 Ackerman Ave., Saddle Brook, NJ 07663.
Volunteers are needed to pack the shoe boxes at the 17th Annual Operation Christmas Child Packing Party on Saturday, Nov. 12 at 3 p.m.
The event will be downstairs in the church's Van Wyk Fellowship Hall. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call the church office at 201-843-6672.
The church is located on Ackerman Avenue at the corner of Saddle River Road in Saddle Brook. All those who attend can park in the parking lot on Saddle River Road.
Coordinator of Operation Christmas Child is Lynne Van Wyk-Wojcik, a lifelong member of the church, and assistant Tom Van Winkle.
"This means a lot to me and I always enjoy being a part of bringing Christmas joy to those less fortunate," said Van Winkle. "I always enjoy seeing the smiles on everyone's faces as they volunteer their time each and every year. I hope to get many volunteers this year, but any help is appreciated."
Since 1993, more than 100 million Christmas shoe boxes have been distributed to children around the world in over 130 countries.
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