The holiday season is a time for giving, and this year, the community has a special opportunity to spread joy to children around the world through Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse, according to a provided news release.
From Nov. 18 to Nov. 25, First Christian Church, 115 Park Ridge Drive, Warsaw, will serve as a drop-off location for gift-filled shoeboxes.
Operation Christmas Child invites individuals, families and groups to pack shoeboxes with toys, hygiene items and school supplies to brighten the lives of children ages 2-14. These shoeboxes are distributed globally to children in need. Collection Drop-Off Hours:
● Monday, Nov. 18: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
● Tuesday, Nov. 19: 5 to 7 p.m.
● Wednesday, Nov. 20: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
● Thursday, Nov. 21: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
● Friday, Nov. 22: 5 to 7 p.m.
● Saturday, Nov. 23: 10 a.m. to noon
● Sunday, Nov. 24: 1 to 3 p.m.
● Monday, Nov. 25: 8 to 10 a.m.
Suggested items include small toys like stuffed animals or dolls, school supplies such as pencils and notebooks and hygiene items like toothbrushes and bar soap. Participants are encouraged to include a personal note or photo.
Preprinted shoeboxes are available for pickup at First Christian Church to make participation easy. The church staff and volunteers are available to answer questions and provide guidance on packing the perfect shoebox to maximize its impact.
Over the years, Operation Christmas Child has reached millions of children in over 160 countries. This initiative has become a tradition for many families and communities, who come together each year to assemble and donate shoeboxes. First Christian Church is proud to be a part of this global effort and invites the Warsaw community to join in this impactful mission, stated the release.
For more information about how to pack a shoebox or to learn more about Operation Christmas Child, please visit https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/ or call First Christian Church at 574-267-8952.