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ELKINS – Operation Christmas Child’s National Collection Week will begin on Nov. 16, and drop-off locations are already set in Randolph, Barbour and Upshur counties.
As the season of giving approaches, Operation Christmas Child volunteers are preparing to collect donated shoebox gifts during the project’s National Collection Week, which will begin this year on Nov. 16 and will last until Nov. 23.
Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 244 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 175 countries and territories. Many of the recipients suffer from war, poverty, disease and disaster. This year, the annual Samaritan’s Purse project says they hope to reach 12.8 million children in 2026.
"Shoebox gifts may seem simple, but they have an eternal impact. Samaritan's Purse President Franklin Graham said in a press release from the organization. “Each box is an opportunity to tell a boy or girl in need about the true meaning of Christmas. I've delivered these boxes around the world, and I never get tired of seeing the joy that they bring--even in the midst of disasters, war and poverty."
Operation Christmas Child describes shoebox packing as fun for individuals, families and groups. Those interested can find a step-by-step guide on the “How to Pack a Shoebox” webpage. Participants can donate $10 per shoebox gift online through "Follow Your Box" and receive a tracking label to discover its destination.
Nearly 5,000 drop-off locations will open across the country during National Collection Week. Participants can find the nearest drop-off location and hours of operation through the Samaritan’s Purse’s online lookup tool. Locations can be found online by city name or ZIP code, and Operation Christmas Child says there will be signs at each location to identify the drop-off.
Local drop-off locations will include:
– The First Baptist Church at 412 Randolph Avenue in Elkins.
– The Bowden Family Worship Center at 8871 Allegheny Highway in Bowden.
– The Montrose Community Building at 200 Oak Street in Montrose.
– The Southern Baptist Church of Philippi at 19969 Barbour County Highway in Philippi.
– The First Baptist Church at 42 Hart Avenue in Buckhannon.
– The Wayside Southern Baptist Church at 539 Brushy Fork Road in Buckhannon.
For more information on Operation Christmas Child, visit www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child.