It’s the season of giving, and what better way to celebrate then by bringing joy to the life of a child through Operation Christmas Child?
Operation Christmas Child is a program which aims to let children who may not receive any Christmas gifts in other countries experience the joys of the holiday while also learning about the gospel. With national collection week beginning on Nov. 14, now is the time to start working on contributions.
“Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and distributed 198 million shoeboxes throughout 174 countries. Last year, 10,505,105 shoeboxes were collected world-wide which was a 1,570 increase over 2020. This year will put us over 200 million shoeboxes bringing the message of Jesus’ love and hope to children throughout the world,” said Debby Young, who spearheads the local effort with Debbie Patterson.
Along with the items in the shoebox, Young says each child will receive a booklet called “The Greatest Gift” which explains the gospel. These booklets are translated into 88 languages.
There are specific items that should be packed in the shoeboxes. Young encourages everyone to remember that this may be the only gift a child will receive.
“Remember, most of these children have never received a gift in their life, let alone a box of free gifts. Most have suffered great loss, poverty and other obstacles beyond our imagination,” said Young.
Patterson says in 2021, Warren County packed 4,633 boxes and the goal was 4,400. This year the goal is to pack 4,650.
Suggested items to include:
• A “wow” item, such as a soccer ball with pump, doll, stuffed animal or shoes.
• Toys, such as toy cars, jump ropes, yo-yos or toys that light up and make noise (with extra batteries).
• Non-liquid hygiene items like toothbrushes, bar soap, washcloths or combs.
• School supplies like pens, pencils, sharpeners, crayons, markers, notebooks, paper, coloring/picture books or solar calculators.
• Accessories like socks, sunglasses, jewelry, watches or flashlights (with extra batteries).
Items not allowed are candy, toothpaste, gum, used or damaged items, war-related items such as guns or knife toys, seeds, food, liquids or lotions, medications or vitamins, breakable items or glass containers and aerosol cans.
Shoeboxes can be dropped off on the following days at First Baptist Church located at 403 N. Spring St.:
Mon, Nov. 14: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tue, Nov. 15: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wed, Nov. 16: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thu, Nov. 17: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fri, Nov. 18: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sat, Nov. 19: 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sun, Nov. 20: 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Mon, Nov. 21: 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Shoeboxes can also be dropped off at the Covenant Fellowship Church in Morrison located at 7225 Manchester Hwy on these dates:
Mon, Nov. 14: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tue, Nov. 15: Noon to 7 p.m.
Wed, Nov. 16: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thu, Nov. 17: Noon to 7 p.m.
Fri, Nov. 18: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sat, Nov. 19: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sun, Nov. 20: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Mon, Nov. 21: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
More information can be found on the Operation Christmas Child website, samaritanspurse.org.
