The McEvoy family is collecting items for Samaritan’s Purse

Paislee and Jett McEvoy show the Samaritan’s Purse boxes they are looking to fill to send to children across the world for Christmas.

By Wendy Lamond

When Kaylee McEvoy and kids Paislee and Jett were at church on Sunday, they noticed people leaving with shoebox-size boxes.

A curious six-year-old Paislee wanted to know what they were for and learned about an organization called Samaritan’s Purse. The McEvoy’s learned that the programs provide shoeboxes for people to fill with small, needed items and gifts that get sent to children all around the world at Christmas time. The organization also arranges shipping of the boxes.

Once hearing this, both kids jumped in and told their mom they wanted to help. Kaylee McEvoy put it out on Facebook that they were looking for items and some generous people jumped onboard and dropped some off.

“I am so happy mommy! I want to make the less fortunate kids around the world happy on Christmas, so they know they are loved too,” Paislee told her mom when she got home from school.

Jett also told his mom that he wants to make sure other little boys get to have fun and play with monster trucks on Christmas.

The family is collecting useful and fun items for children of all ages. Samaritan’s Purse suggests including an exciting item like a small doll, stuffed animal, toy car, building blocks, LEGO, or a soccer ball with a pump. They also suggest personal-care items like toothbrushes, hairbrushes, bandages, or nail clippers/files.

Also of importance are school supplies like markers, pencils, crayons, rulers, pencil cases, calculators etc. Small clothing items that will fit in shoeboxes like socks, shirts, hats or gloves are also recommended. The only restrictions are no liquids, toothpaste and food items.

At first, each of the McEvoy kids were going to fill one box but they wanted to do more, bringing the family goal up to 10.

“My husband and I are trying to teach our kids how fortunate we are to live here in St. Marys and that not every child in the world has the same opportunities,” Kaylee McEvoy said. “If we can do our part by buying and collecting a few small items to bring joy to others this holiday season, especially to children, that’s something truly special.”

The church needs the boxes returned by Nov. 16, but the McEvoys are hoping for earlier, so they have time to organize the boxes. There is an option through the program to track the boxes online to see where they end up.

To donate items, reach out to the McEvoys at kaylee.morris91@yahoo.com. Boxes can also be dropped off to the Independent Newspaper Office at 36 Water St. S, Monday to Friday from 8:30-4 p.m.

For more information, visit the Samaritian’s Purse website and donate through there as well.

“Thank you to anyone who helps or donates. Every little bit of kindness makes a big difference. If we can be successful with this, we will make it an annual thing.” Kaylee McEvoy said.