By 1812Blockhouse

Operation Christmas Child is gearing up for its annual National Collection Week, taking place from November 18 to 25. Volunteers across the country are preparing to collect shoebox gifts at more than 4,700 drop-off locations, offering communities a chance to bring joy to children facing challenging circumstances worldwide.

The initiative, part of Samaritan’s Purse, has been active since 1993, delivering gift-filled shoeboxes to over 220 million children in more than 170 countries and territories. This year, the organization aims to reach 12 million more children, sharing a message of hope and love during the holiday season.

Packing and Donating Shoebox Gifts

Packing a shoebox is a rewarding activity for individuals, families, and groups. To make the process simple, Operation Christmas Child offers a step-by-step guide on their How to Pack a Shoebox webpage, detailing suggested items and packing instructions. Each shoebox is filled with toys, school supplies, hygiene items, and other gifts tailored to children’s needs and interests.

Participants are encouraged to contribute a $10 donation per shoebox to cover shipping and processing costs. This donation can be made online through the “Follow Your Box” feature, which provides a tracking label that allows packers to see where their shoeboxes are delivered.

Local Drop-Off Locations in North Central Ohio

In north central Ohio, drop-off locations are set up at local churches and community centers. Signs at each site will help participants identify where to leave their shoebox gifts. Here are a few local sites and their schedules:

  • Freedom Ridge, 2200 Bedford Blvd., Ontario
    • Nov. 18-20: 9:00 AM to noon
    • Nov. 21: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
    • Nov. 22-23: 9:00 AM to noon
    • Nov. 24: Noon to 4:00 PM
    • Nov. 25: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
  • Impact Church, 160 Woodruff Rd., Mansfield
    • Nov. 18: 9:00 AM to noon
    • Nov. 19: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
    • Nov. 20: 9:00 AM to noon
    • Nov. 21: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
    • Nov. 22: 9:00 AM to noon
    • Nov. 23: Noon to 3:00 PM
    • Nov. 24: Noon to 3:00 PM
    • Nov. 25: 9:00 AM to noon
  • Grace Point, 683 Portland Way N., Galion
    • Check for specific hours at the drop-off site
  • Trinity Lutheran Church, 508 Center St., Ashland
    • Check for specific hours at the drop-off site

Bringing Hope and Love to Children in Need

Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse, emphasizes the impact of these simple gifts:

“Children need hope, and they need to know that they are not alone and God loves them. Gift-filled shoeboxes open the door for us to share the hope of the Gospel with boys and girls around the world.”

Volunteers play a crucial role in the success of Operation Christmas Child, ensuring that gifts are collected, processed, and distributed in time for the holidays. Churches around the world partner with the initiative to deliver these gifts and share a message of love and faith.

How to Get Involved

Participants are encouraged to find their nearest drop-off locations using the online lookup tool by entering their city or ZIP code. The tool provides details about the location, including operating hours.

Whether you pack a single shoebox or organize a community packing event, each gift has the potential to make a lasting impact in a child’s life. Join Operation Christmas Child in bringing joy, hope, and love to children around the globe this holiday season.

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