Devon Rachae was 12 years old when he received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox in his country of Grenada — a box that impacted his life and helped to shape his future. ADVERTISING Devon Rachae was 12 years old when
Devon Rachae was 12 years old when he received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox in his country of Grenada — a box that impacted his life and helped to shape his future.
In 2008, at the age of 22, he was elected as the youngest senator in his country’s history. Today he shares the love he received through the gift of a shoebox by serving as Operation Christmas Child national coordinator for Grenada and a field representative for Samaritan’s Purse, as well as being a local pastor.
The public is invited to hear his compelling story at 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, at Hilo Missionary Church, 1044 Komohana St. After Rachae’s presentation, shoeboxes and materials for 2015 will be distributed for groups, churches and individuals. Reserve boxes in advance by calling Phil Boggs, collections coordinator, at 832-418-6332 or email Persevering@live.com.
Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse and has helped hurting children in more than 130 countries since 1993. In 2014, the Big Island contributed more than 7,000 shoeboxes and combined with the Neighboring Islands sent more than 42,000 to Nepal.
The United States contributed a total of 8 million shoeboxes, and along with other sending countries, the international total was 10 million for 2014 going to more than 100 countries. Children in famine, war, disease and poverty were able to receive hope and love because of generous communities.
A cardboard or plastic shoebox filled with toys, hygiene items such as toothbrushes, bar soap, washcloths and combs, school supplies and other fun items can make a difference to a hurting child. Age groups are 2-4, 5-9 and 10-14. A $7 donation for shipping is requested.
For information, visit samaritanspurse.org/occ. Nell Quay, East Hawaii area coordinator, can be reached at 987-7373.
National Collection Week for 2015 is Nov. 16-23. Collection sites for East Hawaii are Hilo Missionary Church, Puna Covenant Church in Keaau and Big Island Toyota.
