Shoebox Christmas

By Chuck Noble

Local churches and individuals in the Mountain Communities are working together to prepare shoebox gifts for underprivileged children all over the world.

Many of the kids who received shoeboxes last year had never received a gift.

To see their excitement when they open the packages is amazing. A simple gift such as a yo-yo or toothbrush is a major event for them.

Last year, 200 boxes were collected here. This year we hope to give even more boxes.

Operation Christmas Child is the world’s largest project of its kind. Since 1993 they have distributed 113,000,000 gift-filled shoeboxes to over 150 countries.

Families, churches and groups fill the shoeboxes with gifts of toys, school supplies, hygiene items and notes of encouragement to these children. You can pack a shoebox for only a few dollars and a suggested $7 for shipping, which is inexpensive.

The Lebec Community Church is the collection point. They have folding boxes you can put together or use old shoe boxes, which must be wrapped so the box can be opened. Labels are attached to the boxes, indicating the age and gender of the children.

This year Chatterpillar Toys & Gifts (in Frazier Park) also has the shoeboxes and you can purchase things there to fill them. Donations are accepted, which will help with the shipping.

Donations can be taken to Lebec Community Church, where someone will be on-site Tuesdays-Thursdays, or you can call Chuck Noble at 661.248.6251 if you have questions or need boxes.

Please give a shoebox gift to a child in a third world country. The collection dates are November 17-23. All boxes must be delivered to the Lebec Community Church by those dates to be prepared for shipping.

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Toys for Tots

By Amy Crippen

It’s that time of year again. The Mountain Communities Family Resource Center (MCFRC) is coordinating the Toys for Tots program to benefit children of our Mountain Communities.

For those of you who would like to contribute toys, please be on the lookout for the Toys for Tots collection boxes at local mountain businesses. Our local Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts decorate and distribute the collection boxes.

You can also drop new, unwrapped toys at the Family Resource Center. All toy donations need to be in by December 12.

Each year the Family Resource Center staff is impressed by the generosity of our mountain residents. This is a worthwhile program that helps make the holidays a little brighter for families who are struggling to make sure their children enjoy the magic of the season.

We will also collect Gifts for Teens to bring cheer to the older children in the community.
All toys contributed by our community stay local!

More information regarding Toys for Tots applications will be coming soon. If you have any questions about Toys for Tots, please call the Family Resource Center at 661.245.4303.

Photo captions in this story:

Children around the world are tickled by thoughtful gifts such as the shoebox Christmas.

Amber Carnes of Lake of the Woods prepared a shoebox gift for Operation Christmas Child.

Toys for Tots will be distributing boxes around the community for new, unwrapped gifts for local children.
Don’t forget the Gifts for Teens opportunity as well. Make a teen smile, as they know they are remembered.

To see full stories with photos, please purchase a copy of the newspaper at one of the locations listed below.

Or, have your newspaper delivered via mail and include internet access! Just call 661-245-3794.

The e-Edition is available now with full photos and stories at The Mountain Enterprise e-Edition

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Pick up your copy of The Mountain Enterprise at these locations:

Frazier Park
Frazier Park Market
Frazier Park Post Office
Don’s Liquor Market
Caveman Cavey’s Pizza
Frazier Park Pharmacy
Alpine Lumber & Hardware
La Sierra Mexican Restaurant
Factory Direct Appliances
Ace Hardware / Frazier Park Lumber
Falcon’s Nest Restaurant
Big John’s Restaurant
Tecuya Feed
The New Coffee Cantina

Lebec
Sam’s Liquor Market
Flying J Denny’s entrance
Shell Gas Station
Chevron Gas Station
Los Pinos Mexican Restaurant
Clinica Sierra Vista
Lebec Post Office
Ridge Route Antiques

Lake of the Woods
Midway Market
Mountain View Market
Mike’s Pizza Co.

Pinon Pines
At the mailboxes

Pine Mountain Community
Pine Mountain Post Office
Pine Mountain General Store
Bear Claw Bakery
Mommy’s Roadhouse Restaurant
Pine Mountain Pizza Co.
Cafe Silva Bella
Pine Mountain Clubhouse (Bistro entrance)

Gorman
Carl’s Jr.
Gorman Plaza Market

West Antelope Valley
Antelope Acres Market
Wee Ville Market
Fairmont Market

This is part of the October 24, 2014 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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