Patti Rouse: Cannon Beach woman delivers joy to the children of the world

Published 5:00 pm Sunday, October 19, 2003

CANNON BEACH – Patti Rouse’s eyes crinkle with pleasure as she holds up a brightly wrapped shoe box.

“See?” she says. “Imagine this filled with toys and other gifts. To us, this would be nothing. But to a child in need, it’s everything.”

Rouse leads an effort to gather items for needy children around the world at Cannon Beach Community Presbyterian Church. The project is called Operation Christmas Child, a branch of the Christian relief organization Samaritan’s Purse.

The 49-year-old Cannon Beach resident admits she’s not the greatest at wrapping packages, much less shoe boxes.

“My motto is ‘more tape,'” she laughed. “So I’m definitely glad when boxes come in wrapped.”

Rouse organizes and activates the many volunteers needed to pull off the project. It takes time to hang posters, distribute instruction pamphlets, shop for gifts, pack shoe boxes and deliver them to a regional collection

center.

“I don’t believe in one person doing it all,” she said. “You’re always so blessed when you give. You get more back. When more people get involved, more people are blessed.”

Operation Christmas Child supporters have been delivering shoe boxes full of toys, school supplies, clothing and toiletries since 1993. More than 24 million shoe boxes have been given to children in places like central Asia, Africa and eastern Europe, where war, disease, neglect and famine are the norm.

“In a world where there is so much bad news, you can easily get discouraged,” Rouse said. “I know that I cannot save the world, but I can make a difference in a hands-on, tangible way.”

Rouse has participated in the project for five years, but this is her first chance to lead the effort. It’s been a challenging, but positive experience. Her goal is for the church to donate 100 shoe boxes full of gifts. She encourages people who do not wish to pack a box to donate money to help cover the cost of shipping the boxes overseas.

Giving is a concept Rouse learned at a young age. Her Catholic parents had a “deep faith,” and taught her the importance of donating her time, talents and money to people in need.

“I learned early to champion the underdog,” she said. “I have a very tender heart. Other people’s plights just really get to me. I have to fight depression because the sadness in the world can be so overwhelming. And I don’t mean to make light of depression, but I believe that one of the best treatments is to help someone else.”

One of the best things about the project, Rouse said, is that it is an easy way to get the whole family involved. Children today are much more knowledgeable about the world, thanks to the Internet and television. And they love to pack a box full of “new versions” of their favorite toys.

“It’s so easy, because the instructions tell you exactly what to do,” she said. “They even give you lists that tell you what not to buy.”

All items must be new. War-related items like toy guns, knives or even camouflage clothing is not accepted. Chocolate, perishable food items, liquids, medicines or breakable items should not be included.

Even the most mundane items make wonderful gifts and can affect the needy child’s whole family.

“In one box, there were five toothbrushes,” Rouse said. “And the child was so happy, because he had five family members. Now they could have their own toothbrushes.”

Participating in the project has also shown Rouse the importance of simplicity in life. She strives to do more with less and focuses on making a difference.

“I want to shoebox my car, my life,” she said. “Simplify, it’s a daily struggle. This simply teaches the true spirit of Christmas: giving and loving your fellow man.”

– Helen Warriner