Operation Christmas Child shoebox dropoff begins this week

McCOOK, Neb., Nov. 18, 2024 — The Samaritan’s Purse project Operation Christmas Child has begun its annual mission to bring joy and hope to children in need worldwide. Local residents are encouraged to participate by packing shoebox gifts filled with toys, school supplies, and personal care items. National Collection Week runs from Nov. 18 to Nov. 25, with over 4,700 drop-off locations open across the country.

In McCook, the Evangelical Free Church, located at 602 East 14th Street, is the designated drop-off location. Participants can deliver their shoebox gifts during the following times:

• Monday, Nov. 18: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

• Tuesday, Nov. 19: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

• Wednesday, Nov. 20: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

• Thursday, Nov. 21: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

• Friday, Nov. 22: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

• Saturday, Nov. 23: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

• Sunday, Nov. 24: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

• Monday, Nov. 25: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has delivered more than 220 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in over 170 countries. This year, the organization aims to collect enough shoeboxes to reach 12 million children.

“Samaritan’s Purse is committed to taking the Gospel to hard-to-reach places—whether it’s responding to a disaster or sharing God’s love through the power of a simple shoebox,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse.

For those unable to pack a physical box, an online tool allows participants to build and customize a virtual shoebox at samaritanspurse.org/buildonline. Additional resources, including a step-by-step guide to packing a shoebox and a location finder, are available at samaritanspurse.org/occ.

For more information, call 816-622-8316 or visit the website, samaritanspurse.org/occ

This holiday season, Operation Christmas Child offers an opportunity for individuals and families to share the true meaning of Christmas and bring joy to children in need around the globe.