Americans have already sent Christmas gifts to Moldovan children. Interview by Info-Prim Neo with Sue Kraft-Fischer, editor at “Lake Devils Journal”

Generous people from the West gather each year in November gifts for the children from poor countries, including Moldova. The event is called “Operation Christmas Child” and is organized by Samaritan's Purse (Traista Samariteanului), an Evangelic organization from the United States. In Moldova these gifts are distributed by the radio station “Micul Samaritean”. Sue Kraft-Fischer is an editor at “Lake Devils Journal,” a local newspaper from a town with the same name from North Dakota. The quarters of the editorial staff served as a drop-off point. Asked by Info-Prim Neo News Agency, Sue Kraft-Fischer gives details about this event. [ - Why did your publication decide to act as a drop-off point collecting boxes for Operation Christmas Child, instead of a non-governmental organization, or a church, for instance?] - Several newspapers throughout North Dakota are also serving as drop-off points. We had heard about the program and thought it would be great to get involved in such a worthy cause. [ - What do people usually put in boxes? Do they also put letters? If yes, do you know what they write?] - People are instructed to send weather-neutral clothing, toys, candy and school supplies. Items that are not allowed include toy guns (or other war-related materials), lotions, perfumes and other liquids. I’m not sure, but I do not think letters are included in the box. When people make the boxes they never know who will be getting it. We do not open the boxes. [ - What do people usually say when they bring the boxes?] - Most are much excited to help. It is Christmas and a lot of people think every child should have a gift to open on Christmas. A lot of church groups and other organizations, like the Girl Scouts, school groups and sometimes business co-workers, join together to make the boxes as a yearly project. We actually have people call the office and ask when the project is starting each fall - some want to start early! [ - What happens to the boxes after the collection drive is over? Do you know what countries they are sent to?] - From Devils Lake, the boxes are taken to Grand Forks, North Dakota. Then they pass through several larger OCC offices before being shipped out. Last year, 299 groups from North Dakota participated in the event, packing 14,502 boxes, which were sent to Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Latvia, Estonia, Macedonia, Albania, Tajikistan, Georgia and Ukraine. [ - In general, how would you describe the attitude of the Americans toward this campaign? Is it much talked about in your country?] - Devils Lake is a small town, about 8,000 people, and most of people are very generous. They like to help others and when a great project like this comes along, they are ready to take part. One person told me: “We have so much and some people have so little. It is a great gift to myself where I can”. I think a lot of people really get excited about the project each year. I am not sure about other cities, but I guess the people there have similar attitude, because the turn out is always great.