Star Valley is once again gearing up for the annual Operation Christmas Child campaign, led locally by organizer Alison Rainey, to bring holiday joy to children around the world. Residents are invited to pack shoeboxes with gifts, school supplies, and essential items. For children who may have never received a Christmas gift in their lives, these boxes bring a sense of joy and love.

Alison Rainey said, “We are happy to partner with Operation Christmas Child year after year to bring a little happiness, hope, and light to a child in need. I’m so grateful to our Star Valley partners and community for helping us achieve that goal!”

Community members can pick up free shoeboxes and instructions at the Etna Community Center, located in the Conference Room hallway. Donations and filled boxes must be returned by November 23 at 1 p.m. to be finalized. For those who cannot make the drop-off or need a box delivered, Rainey is coordinating pickups and deliveries via text at 307-248-8876. Boxes can also be picked up , as well as individual donations dropped off, at the following local churches; Morning Star Baptist Church, River of Life, Emmanuel Bible Church, New Hope, and Alpine Christian Fellowship.

Rainey also shared how “River of Life partners are offering the opportunity to purchase a shoebox item at checkout at Bomgaars in Afton if the community would like to contribute that way.”

Families and businesses alike are encouraged to join the effort, collecting toys, school supplies, clothing, and hygiene items to fill boxes. To comply with customs regulations, items such as candy, gum, soap, and toothpaste cannot be included. A complete list of approved and restricted items is available at samaritanspurse.org.

Rainey and volunteers will transport completed shoeboxes to Idaho Falls, where they will be organized and then shipped to Denver, Colorado for final inspection before reaching children across the globe, most of the Western Wyoming/Eastern Idaho donations are delivered to Mexico/Central/South America.

Alison Rainey highlights the purpose of the program allows us to “[share] God’s love in a powerful and personal way. .”

This holiday season, Star Valley residents will once again show that a small community can make a meaningful impact worldwide. Those interested in supporting the effort further can also contribute directly to Samaritan’s Purse through their website, which provides more information about Operation Christmas Child and other global relief initiatives.

“Thank you, Star Valley, for your continued generosity and support of this heartwarming tradition. Let’s come together to make a lasting impact—one shoebox at a time!”

3 Steps to participate:

Step 1: Pick up a free shoebox (instructions included) at the Etna Community Center – Conference Room hallway. Look for the festive green/red box!

Step 2: Fill it with approved items, such as:

• School supplies

• Small toys

• Clothing (socks, t-shirts, etc.)

• Hygiene items (non-liquid only)

Step 3: Return your filled shoebox to the same location by November 23 at 1 p.m.