The collection week for Operation Christmas Child begins Monday, with several area churches serving as drop-off locations for gift-filled shoeboxes that will be distributed to children in need around the world.
Participating locations include First Baptist Church in Viola, Bellview Baptist Church in Melbourne, Evening Shade First Baptist Church, Eastside Baptist Church in Mountain Home, Thayer First Baptist Church, New Life Cathedral Church in Hoxie, and Sutton Free Will Baptist Church on Highway 62, west of Pocahontas.
Donations will be accepted at these sites throughout the week, with the final collection scheduled for early Monday morning, November 23.
Operation Christmas Child is an initiative organized by Samaritan’s Purse, a nonprofit Christian humanitarian organization. Volunteers fill shoeboxes with toys, school supplies, hygiene items, and personal notes that are then distributed to children in need in over 100 countries.
For more details, visit the Operation Christmas Child Facebook page or search online for additional information about drop-off hours and packing guidelines.