The Howard-Suamico branch is participating in Operation Christmas Child. Visitors can pick up a box from the branch, pack it with toys, school supplies, or hygiene-related items, and then bring it back. The branch sends it on to be given to a child in need for the holidays.

The boxes at Howard-Suamico.

Suggested donations
Pencils
Pens
Crayons
Notebooks
Coloring books
Toothbrushes
Bar soap
Washcloths
Combs
Small toys
Tools
Sports items
Dolls and stuffed animals

The official deadline for receiving boxes is November 21, but Branch Manager Tavie Folk says the branch will collect boxes throughout December and get them to the right place. The drive is organized by nonprofit Samaritan’s Purse. Interested donors can also just pack a shoe box, or a box of similar size, if it’s not convenient to pick one up at the branch, and monetary donations are also welcome.

“These Operation Christmas Child boxes are shipped all over the world to children who are truly in need,” Tavie says. “If a customer donates $7 for shipping online, they can print off a bar code to put on their box, and then they can actually track where their box gets shipped!”