Shoebox recipient coming to Hilo for Operation Christmas Child

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 Rachae’s compelling story at 7 p.m. Sept. 27 at Hilo Missionary Church, 1044 Komohana St. After the 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 at 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.

Taking a shoebox or plastic shoebox (average size) and filling it with toys, hygiene items such as toothbrushes, bar soap, washcloths, combs, school supplies and other fun items can make a difference in a hurting child who is in a desperate situation. Age groups are 2-4, 5-9 and 10-14. A $7 donation for shipping is requested.

In 2014, the Big Island contributed more than 7,000 shoeboxes and the neighboring islands sent 42,000 shoeboxes to Nepal last year.

Children in famine, war, disease and poverty were able to receive hope and love because of generous communities.

National Collection Week for 2015 is Nov. 16-23. Collection sites for East Hawaii are Hilo Missionary Church, Puna Covenant Church, Keaau and Big Island Toyota.

For more information, visit samaritanspurse.org/occ. Nell Quay, East Hawaii area coordinator, can be reached at 987-7373.