START STUFFING SHOE-BOX GIFTS

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Oct 20, 2007 | by CAROL McGRAW,

It may be a little early to think about the holidays, but it is never too early to think about helping needy children around the world.

Operation Christmas Child is asking kids and organizations to make shoe-box gifts to be sent to children living in areas affected by disease, famine, war and natural disaster. The boxes can be filled with small toys such as yoyos and jump-ropes, and necessities such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap and school supplies. Add a little candy and a letter of encouragement, and it's something that can brighten the life of a child in need.

Samaritan's Purse, a charitable international organization, sponsors the project. Since 1993 the group has collected 54 million shoe-box gifts and distributed them to kids in 120 countries. Last year, more than 19,000 children received gifts from donors in the Colorado Springs area, according to Joe Hertel, local coordinator.

Collection week is Nov. 12-19. For details on how to participate and prepare gift boxes, call 260-9356 or go to the Web site, samaritanspurse.org.

Course all about Israel

The Jewish Learning Institute is presenting a series called "The Land and the Spirit: Why We All Care About Israel."

The course will be from 7 to 8:40 p.m. on six consecutive Tuesdays, beginning Oct. 30, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 2886 S. Circle Drive. Cost is $120 per person or $204 per couple, and includes a textbook and refreshments. Those under age 30 can attend for free.

For information call Rabbi Moshe Liberow at 634-2345 or visit myjli.com.

Learn to help with grief, trauma

Looking for something spiritual to read? A couple of local authors have come out with these new books:

"Lifting Our Eyes: Finding God's Grace Through the Virginia Tech Tragedy." (Penguin Group USA/Berkley, $14) by Beth Lueders, a Colorado Springs resident and former Campus Crusade for Christ staff member.

The forward is written by Darrell Scott, whose daughter, Rachel, was killed in the Columbine shootings. The book tells the story of Lauren McCain, thought to be the first person shot during the Virginia Tech killings. Other stories are included, and there's a section about working through grief and trauma, and how to help those experiencing it.

"Mark's Story" is the latest novel in "The Jesus Chronicles" series by Tim La-Haye and Colorado Springs resident Jerry B. Jenkins (G.P. Putnam's Sons, $24.95). "The Jesus Chronicles" tell the story of Jesus through the four Gospel writers: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

This latest release follows Mark's story from his childhood through his observations of the last day of Christ.

LaHaye and Jenkins are best known for their "Left Behind" series, which has sold more than 65 million copies and is said to be the best-selling adult series in the history of publishing.