Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Collection Underway

Operation Christmas Child is underway this holiday season across the country and in our area as well with local churches gathering the shoeboxes filled with gifts to send to children in third world or war torn nations.

Sponsored by Samaritan’s Purse, this is National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child.

Daina Durham is the Gainesville area coordinator. Durham says getting involved is as simple as getting a shoebox and filling it with goodies.

“You could have like a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, a washrag, toys, pencils and paper that you fill the shoebox with and that is designated either to a boy or girl and then we have different age groups,” said Durham.

Durham said that people are also encouraged to personalize the shoebox that they donate.

“One thing I want to add that is really great to put in the shoebox is a note from the person who packed the shoebox and maybe a picture of that person,” said Durham. “That is a great way to show the child there is a person behind the shoebox that cares.”

In our area, shoeboxes are being received at Poplar Springs Baptist Church on Gumlog Road in Lavonia today and Saturday from 10a to noon, Sunday from 1:30p to 4:30p and Monday from 10a to noon.

If you live in Hartwell, you can drop off your shoebox at Cornerstone Baptist Church today from 9a to 5p, Saturday from 10a – 2p, Sunday from 9a – 1p and Monday from 8a – 10a.

Other drop-off locations can be found by going online to the Operation Christmas Child Website at www.samaritanspurse.org.

Durham says the Website also gives people the option of creating and donating a shoebox online.

“It really works well for people who don’t like to shop or know how to shop,” said Durham.

For more information on Operation Christmas Child you can go online to www.samaritanspurse.org, or call the Gainesville regional office at 770-777-9342.