Now is the time to begin preparations for Operation Christmas Child. Operation Christmas Child is a project sponsored by Samaritan’s Purse.  Operation Christmas Child delivers pre-packed boxes of gifts to needy children all over the world at Christmas time. Samaritan's Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Since 1970, Samaritan's Purse has helped meet needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine with the purpose of sharing God's love through His Son, Jesus Christ. The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God's love in a tangible way to needy children around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.  This November 20th, the Berlin Seventh Day Baptist Church will again be sponsoring an Operation Christmas Child event.  More information about the event will be coming, but in the meantime please consider purchasing items in preparation.  The church will again purchase hygiene items and hard candy.  Other items that are needed include toys/gifts for girls or boys ages 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14.  Toy cars, small stuffed animals, T-shirts, socks, small caps, sunglasses, school supplies, crayons and color books, hair clips, jewelry, and playdough are just some of the possibilities.  All items must fit into a standard-size shoe box. Do not include breakable items, liquids, war-related items, medication or vitamins, or aerosol cans.  Feel free to bring your items and shoe boxes (if you have them) the night of the event or drop them off at the Seventh Day Baptist church anytime.  Contact Pastor Matt Olson (658-2868) if you would like more information or go to www.samaritanspurse.org for more specific information regarding packing a shoe box.