Packing shoebox gifts for Operation Christmas Child is a tradition that continues throughout south central Kansas as churches, schools & community groups create gifts in a shoebox for children in need around the world. Area teams hope to collect over 35,000 shoebox gifts to contribute to a nationwide goal of over 12 million. These shoebox gifts filled with school supplies, hygiene items & fun toys, will be distributed in over 100 countries around the world in Jesus’ name. Many times this is the first gift a child will receive, bringing hope amidst poverty.
After receiving their shoebox gift, children are invited to participate in a twelve week discipleship program, The Greatest Journey, where they learn to follow Jesus and tell others about him. At the graduation ceremony, they receive a certificate and a colorfully illustrated Bible in their own language. “Operation Christmas Child is about so much more than a gift filled shoebox. It’s about the hope of Jesus to a world in need”, says local volunteer Vicki Beck.
National Collection Week is November 17-24. Dozens of drop-off locations will open around south central Kansas where individuals and groups can take their boxes. Participants can find drop-off locations near them and hours of operation at samaritanspurse.org/occ. Boxes are sent from the drop-off locations to eight processing centers around the Country before being shipped to over 100 countries around the world, where they are delivered by boat, motorcycle, even on the backs of elephants!
Local volunteers encourage you to pack a shoebox (or two or ten) now and join them in sharing hope around the world this Christmas!
