More than 4,700 drop-off locations across America are now accepting gift boxes for this season’s Operation Christmas Child, a nonprofit that ministers to children in need across the world by giving them shoe boxes filled with Christmas gifts.
The initial call for donations is a part of National Collection Week in the U.S. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has been collecting and delivering gift-filled shoeboxes to children, including many who suffer from poverty, war, disease, and other disasters. According to Samaritan’s Purse, the ministry aims to reach 12 million children in 2024.
“Children need hope, and they need to know that they are not alone, and God loves them,” Samaritan’s Purse President Franklin Graham said. “Gift-filled shoeboxes open the door for us to share the hope of the Gospel with boys and girls around the world. Please pray that these simple gifts have an eternal impact.”
The project partners with local churches across the planet to deliver gifts to children in need. Dozens of locations across Mississippi will open their doors this week for those who have packed boxes themselves, but participants can also donate monetarily to have a box packed and delivered in their name.
Those interested in participating can find a step-by-step guide on how to pack a shoebox here and can find details about the nearest drop-off location here.