Life Care Center of Vista collecting gift-filled shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child

At Life Care Center of Vista, residents and associates are participating in a project to share the gift of Christmas with needy children around the world.

As part of the 2011 Operation Christmas Child campaign, the facility invites the community to join the team in filling sturdy shoe boxes (or other similarly sized storage boxes) with a mix of small toys, hard candy, school supplies and personal hygiene items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste and soap. The boxes will be distributed to children in war-torn and poverty-stricken countries by Samaritan’s Purse.

“We are so honored to be a part of this wonderful program and look forward to joining our community in bringing the glory of Christ to these children,” said Sharron Clark, executive director at the facility.

Operation Christmas Child participants are encouraged to include a picture of themselves to create a personal connection. In addition, Samaritan’s Purse asks that participants tape $7 to the inside of the box top to cover shipping and transportation. Ideas for gifts, as well as labels specifying gender and age range, are available at samaritanspurse.org.

This year, the facility’s goal is to collect 600 completed boxes. From now until Nov. 18, community members can drop off boxes in the lobby from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday – Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., on weekends.

For more information on how you can help Life Care Center of Vista with the Operation Christmas Child project, call (760) 724-8222.