Operation Christmas Child collects, donate gifts overseas

SOUTH POINT — Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child of Southeastern Ohio is hosting its Shoebox Trot 5K Run/Walk Saturday at the South Point Chamber of Commerce/Industrial Park.

“I’m looking to see how many people come out and support the work of Operation Christmas Child,” Vickie Edwards, Operation Christmas Child drop-off coordinator at Tri-State Worship Center, said.

Each participant is encouraged to bring two of the following items: school supplies, small stuffed animals, dolls or other toys that would fit inside of a shoebox.

Medals will be awarded to the top overall male and female finishers, as well as the top two in each of the age categories, which include 15 and under, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49 and 50 and over. Also, it is encouraged to wear a Christmas costume or outfit, as the best will also be awarded a prize.

The price to register is $30 for adults and $25 for children 15 and under. To pre-register, visit www.tristateracer.com, or registration can be completed at the event.

Registration and packet pickup will start at 8 a.m. with the 5K kicking off at 9 a.m.

The Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce is located at 216 Collins Ave. in South Point.

Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child is a program that gives underprivileged children in other countries Christmas gifts in shoeboxes, including toiletries, small toys, paper, pens, clothing, and small stuffed animals. Tri-State Worship Center has been a part of the program for a decade, and also serves as the collection center for Lawrence County.

Also on Saturday, Edwards said Tri-State Worship Center is hosting a shoebox-packing event at 1 p.m.

Besides Tri-State Worship Center, other Lawrence County churches that participate in Operation Christmas Child include Campbell Chapel Freewill Baptist Church, Finley Chapel United Methodist Church in Proctorville, Proctorville First Baptist Church, Burlington First Baptist Church, South Point Church of the Nazarene and more.

Edwards said about 35-40 total churches take part in the program in the entire Southeastern Ohio region.