A drop-off point for Operation Christmas Child — which has been collecting shoebox gifts for 25 years — has been announced at Licking.
Since 1993, Samaritan’s Purse (based in Boone, N.C.) has delivered more than 157 million Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts to children affected by war, poverty, disease, famine and disasters in more than 160 countries. For some of them, it is the first gift they have ever received. Many children who receive these shoeboxes also participate in the discipleship program, “The Greatest Journey.” Through 12 Bible lessons, volunteer teachers trained by Samaritan’s Purse in the local church mentor boys and girls, teaching them to follow Christ and to share Him with others.
Gifts can be dropped off at First Baptist Church in Licking (at 222 S. Main St.) at the following times:
•5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 12 through Friday, Nov. 16.
•9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 17.
•2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18.
•8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 19.
Organizers suggest filling shoeboxes with hygiene items (soap, washcloth, toothbrush, etc.), school supplies and toys. No candy or toothpaste. The children love to receive a letter or picture in their box. The 10-14 year old boys category could especially use more shoeboxes.
Last year the Licking Drop-off Center collected 1,056 shoeboxes as part of the 11 million shoeboxes generated worldwide. This year, after volunteers deliver the shoeboxes to Rolla, they will be on their way to a processing center in Dallas, before being shipped to their final destination.
A donation of $9 per box is requested.
See the website samaritanspurse.org/whatwedo/operation-christmas-child/ or search “Operation Christmas Child” to find more information, videos and an opportunity to pay online and track a shoebox to its final destination.
For more information, call 573-674-3141 or 573-247-6655.