Chesterfield Arts Community to Fill Shoeboxes with Art Supplies, Small Gifts for Children in Need

Chesterfield Arts, bringing the "experience" of art to west St. Louis County, is collecting art supplies and other small gifts for children Oct. 21- Nov. 23 as part of the nationwide effort, Operation Christmas Child, which ships shoeboxes full of small gifts to children in need.

Between Oct. 21-Nov. 23, small gifts, personal hygiene items and art supplies can be dropped off at Chesterfield Arts (444 Chesterfield Center, across from the American Girl store, Chesterfield Mall.) As a finale to the collection effort, Chesterfield Arts will hold a shoebox decorating and "packing event" on Nov. 23 from 12-3 p.m. at Chesterfield Arts. The event is free and open to children and adults.

"Filling the shoeboxes with art supplies and other small gifts for children is a great way to help instill the spirit of giving in our own children during the holidays," said Jenny Donaldson, exhibition coordinator and leader of the collection effort at Chesterfield Arts. "Decorating the donated shoeboxes also brings out the 'inner artist' in everyone."

At the Nov. 23 decorating and packing event, participants can decorate one or more shoeboxes and fill them with art supplies provided by Chesterfield Arts. Although not mandatory to participate, individuals may also bring in newly purchased small gifts and/or personal hygiene items such as: toothbrushes, dental floss, small hairbrushes, antiseptic wipes, pocket tissues or small toys (miniature dolls, cars.) To help cover shipping costs, a $7 donation (per box) is suggested. In appreciation for donating to Operation Christmas Child, donors will receive a 10% off coupon towards the purchase of any artwork--including jewelry--at The Gallery at Chesterfield Arts.

Chesterfield Arts will deliver the filled shoeboxes to Samaritan's Purse, the national organization behind Operation Christmas Child, which then ships the shoebox gifts to underprivileged children. Participants can visit www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child to find out where their shoebox was shipped. Since 1993, more than 100 million boys and girls in more than 130 countries have received shoebox gifts from Operation Christmas Child. 

Established in 1995, Chesterfield Arts brings the "experience" of art to the community. Opportunities include diverse programming in the visual, performing and literary arts, outdoor sculpture, and arts education classes taught by professional artists. The Gallery at Chesterfield Arts, 444 Chesterfield Center across from Chesterfield Mall, features work by regional artists. For more information, call 636.519.1955 or visit www.ChesterfieldArts.org.