Operation Christmas Child to accept donations Nov. 17-24

As Thanksgiving approaches, many families and children are giving thanks for all their blessings and sharing those blessings with children in need by packing shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.

The project partners with local churches across the globe to deliver these tangible expressions of God’s love to children in need.

Shoebox gifts prepared by generous donors and filled with toys, personal care items and school supplies may be dropped off from Monday, Nov. 17, through Monday, Nov. 24. More than 5,000 drop-off sites will be open nationwide.

Local sites include Long Neck Methodist Church, 32051 Long Neck Road, Millsboro, 302-945-9453; Crossroad Community Church, 20684 State Forest Road, Georgetown, 302-629-0111; and Calvary Church, 302 SE Front St., Milford. To search drop-off locations by ZIP code, go to samaritanspurse.org.

Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has been collecting and delivering gift-filled shoeboxes to children including many who are suffering from war, poverty, disease and disaster. Operation Christmas Child hopes to reach another 12 million children in 2025.

Find a step-by-step guide on the How to Pack a Shoebox webpage at samaritanspurse.org.

“This season, children around the world need a tangible reminder that there is hope and that God loves them,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse. “Through these shoebox gifts packed with special items, children also receive the opportunity to hear about the eternal hope found in Jesus Christ.”