As the Thanksgiving season approaches, many families and children are giving thanks for all their blessings and sharing those blessings with children in need by packing shoeboxes with Operation Christmas Child.
Shoebox gifts prepared by generous donors and filled with toys, personal care items, and school supplies may be dropped off now during National Collection Week, Nov. 13 – 20.
More than 4,500 drop-off sites are now open, including a local site at Calvary Baptist Church, 1140 Rush Ave., Bellefontaine.
Hours of operation at Calvary Baptist Church are: 6 to 8 p.m. today, Wednesday, Nov. 15, along with 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, and Friday, Nov. 17; 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 18; 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19; and 8 to 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 20.
The project of Samaritan’s Purse partners with local churches across the globe to deliver these personal expressions of God’s love to children in need.
Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 209 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories. This year, Operation Christmas Child will celebrate its 30th year of ministry.
This season, there’s still time for individuals, families and groups to transform empty shoeboxes into fun gifts.
Samaritan’s Purse suggests starting with a quality “wow” item such as a stuffed animal, soccer ball with pump, or clothing outfit that will capture the child’s attention, and then add personal care items, crafts, toys and clothing and accessories to fill the box.
Visit www.samaritanspurse.org for gift ideas and for labels for your shoebox. Those who buy a label online also have the opportunity to track their shoebox and learn of its final destination.
“This season, children around the world need a tangible reminder that there is hope and that God loves them,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse.
“Through these shoebox gifts packed with special items, children also receive the opportunity to hear about the eternal hope found in Jesus Christ.”
Participants can use the online lookup tool to find the nearest drop-off location and hours of operation as they make plans to drop off their shoebox gifts.
Calvary Baptist Church, 1140 Rush Ave., Bellefontaine is a collection site for Operation Christmas Child, with drop-off hours offered throughout this week, continuing through Monday, Nov. 20. (EXAMINER PHOTO | Mandy Loehr)
