Yellowknife (Oct 08/04) - Samaritan's Purse is organizing Operation Christmas Child again this year, which will see a projected seven million shoe boxes from Canada and other participating countries sent to disadvantaged children around the world who have suffered conflict, poverty, famine and war.

Canadian kids, families, individuals, churches and schools are already preparing gift-filled shoe boxes to help brighten their Christmas season.

"We have already started collections," said Judy Reath, who has been organizing the event in Yellowknife for five years.

"Last year we collected 570 boxes and we are hoping to match and beat that record."

The boxes can be filled with toys, school supplies, hygiene items and small miscellaneous items such as jewelry and ball caps. However, it is asked that war-related items - like toy guns and action figures - used items, chocolate, canned or perishable foods, liquids, medicine, fragile items, cosmetics, chapter books and liquid glue not be included.

Donations can be dropped off at the Salvation Army before Nov. 10, at which point RTL Robinson Enterprises Ltd. will ship the boxes out to Edmonton at no charge.

"A suggested donation of $5 is also requested to complete the shipping process," said Reath.

"We are so pleased when people just get involved and do a few boxes themselves."