In anticipation of the release of “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader,” Samaritans Purse, 20th Century Fox and Walden Media have teamed to create Operation Narnia, part of Samaritans Purse’s Operation Christmas Child program, a campaign to collect millions of shoeboxes filled with toys and supplies for children around the world.
“The themes of adventure, grace, and forgiveness are prevalent throughout CS Lewis's works, naturally tying in with Operation Christmas Child,” says Randy Riddle, of Samaritans Purse. “Operation Christmas Child in itself is a creative way to introduce children to Jesus Christ. We are called to use all means possible to introduce individuals to Jesus Christ, Gods only Son and the real meaning behind Christmas. In keeping with this idea, it was a natural fit to partner with Narnia.”
The goal of Operation Christmas Child and Operation Narnia is to reach more than 8 million children this year.
“These gifts will reach the neediest children living in more than 100 countries. We expect to send a record number of these gifts, more than 250,000 to children living in Haiti who are victimized by this past January's earthquake, and recent hurricane,” according Riddle. “This will be in follow up to the massive relief effort mounted by Samaritans Purse beginning hours after the earthquake and continuing today.”
According to Riddle, Operation Christmas Child has distributed more than 77 million gifts. The program will allow supporters and Narnia fans to deliver their shoeboxes during the National Collection Week, Nov. 15 to 22. After National Collection Week, fans are invited to participate by sending shoebox gifts to Samaritans Purse headquarters or finding a local drop-off location.
To learn more about Operation Narnia, visit www.operationnarnia.com.
