Begins on Nov. 15

More than 4,000 locations will open to collect hope filled Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts for the Samaritan’s Purse project, among those are two in Lawrence County.

While volunteers are preparing to collect shoebox gifts during National Collection Week, Nov. 15 – 22, individuals, families and groups still have time to transform empty shoeboxes into gifts that are filled with school supplies, hygiene items and toys.

A step-by-step packing guide is on the How to Pack a Shoebox webpage at samaritanspurse.org/occ.

Operation Christmas Child is a project that everyone can still be a part of, even with COVID-19 restrictions.

“In the midst of the pandemic, children around the world need to know that God loves them and there is hope,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse. “A simple shoebox gift opens the door to share about the true hope that can only be found in Jesus Christ.”

These life-changing simple shoebox gifts may be dropped off at the following Lawrence County Drop-Off sites offering a curbside option. Signs at each location will identify the drop-off area.

• First Baptist Church, 304 S. Fifth St., Ironton
Monday, Nov. 15, 3–6 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2–5 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 17, 11 a.m. –2 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 18, 4–6 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 19, 11 a.m.– 2 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 20, 10 a.m.– noon
Sunday, Nov. 21, noon– 2 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 22, 9–11 a.m.

• Union Baptist Church, 10109 State Route 141, Kitts Hill
Monday, Nov. 15, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 16, 6–8 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 17, 4:30 –6:30 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 18, 4:30– 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 19, 6–8 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 20, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 21, noon–2 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 22, 8:30–10:30 a.m.

Participants can donate $9 per shoebox gift online through “Follow Your Box” and receive a tracking label to discover its destination.

Those who prefer the convenience of online shopping can browse samaritanspurse.org/buildonline to select gifts matched to a child’s specific age and gender, then finish packing the virtual shoebox by adding a photo and personal note of encouragement.

This project partners with local churches across the globe to deliver these tangible expressions of God’s love to children in need to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 188 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 160 countries and territories.

Those interested in more information on how Operation Christmas Child is making adjustments during its National Collection Week can visit the organization’s Important COVID-19 Updates webpage for the latest information and answers to Frequently Asked Questions.