A local church is getting into the spirit of giving by collecting and stuffing shoeboxes to the send to children in 100 countries across the world just in time for Christmas.
Michelle Hale, area coordinator for Operation Christmas Child, said Hickory Hill Baptist Church in Eugene has been participating in the ministry for more than 10 years.
Operation Christmas Child, a mission-based effort through the international Christian relief program Samaritan’s Purse, ships gifts to children across the world in areas affected by war, poverty, natural disaster, famine and disease, and to children living on Native American reservations in the United States, according to the Samaritan’s Purse website.
Last year, Hickory Hill Baptist Church reached its all-time milestone of stuffing 5,300 boxes for boys and girls ages 2-14.
These boxes give hope to children who, Hale said, may have never had hope, showing them someone loves them and showing them the love of God.
The church’s goal this year is to stuff 750 shoeboxes with the support of 50 volunteers, Hale said.
Across the world, volunteers are stuffing the boxes with hygiene products, school supplies, clothes, shoes and toys.
“Every shoebox gift, often the first gift a child ever receives, is not just about the items placed inside but about demonstrating the truth of God’s love,” Hale said. “Every minute, four people come to know Christ through this ministry.”
Hickory Hill Baptist Church will send the boxes to local drop off-locations during National Collection Week, Nov. 13-20.
“Anyone can do this,” Hale said.
Chick-fil-A, located at 3407 Missouri Blvd. in Jefferson City, is allowing patrons to pick up a donation box to fill, she said.
Participants can donate $9 per shoebox gift online through “Follow Your Box” and receive a tracking label to discover its destination.
Those who prefer the convenience of online shopping can browse samaritanspurse.org/buildonline to select gifts matched to a child’s age and gender, then finish packing the virtual shoebox by adding a photo and personal note of encouragement.
A full drop-off schedule is available at samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/drop-off-locations.
For more information about Operation Christmas Child or to view gift suggestions, visit samaritanspurse.org/occ.