Among the “helpers” at the “Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Project” at the Highland Mills United Methodist Church recently were some of the Girl Scouts from Troop 56 in Cornwall led by Troop Co-Leader Jen Tejeda.

Community fills nearly 200 boxes for Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Project Highland Mills - There was a great turnout recently for the “Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Project” at the Highland Mills United Methodist Church, both from the church and from the community. More than a dozen cartons with 189 “Operation Christmas Child” shoeboxes already have been prepared for shipment overseas. The shoeboxes were filled with small toys, gifts, clothing and school supplies to be sent to children in need throughout the world. “The project is intended to demonstrate God’s love at the local church level in a tangible way to needy children around the world,” said Fred Lindlaw, a member of the church’s administrative board. “Our congregation is sponsoring this effort because we believe that, although we are a local church, we are part of a worldwide community of Christians who want to share our blessings to the best of our abilities. Lindlaw also noted: Eight million children received shoeboxes last year - and that number will probably be exceeded this year. Children in more than 130 countries have received shoeboxes since 1993. Again this year, the shoeboxes will be sent around the world but the emphasis will be on children in Haiti where the need continues to be so great.