NOV. 13 – 20: National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Gifts
BOONE, N.C., Nov. 13, 2017 — Tens of thousands of U.S. families are on a mission to make an impact in the lives of children in need. They are donating colorfully wrapped shoebox gifts to be sent to children around the world—many of whom have never received a gift before and have very little to call their own.
Nov. 13–20 is Operation Christmas Child’s National Collection Week, caring people around the country will collect shoebox gifts filled with fun toys, school supplies and hygiene items. The Samaritan’s Purse project will deliver these gifts to children affected by war, disease, disaster, poverty and famine.
“A global movement begins this week across the US and seven other sending countries, millions are focused on making a difference in the lives of children facing difficult circumstances,” said Operation Christmas Child Senior Domestic Director Randy Riddle. “What a joy to be a part of something bigger than ourselves like Operation Christmas Child. Giving such simple gifts like those found in shoeboxes mean the world to children with great need and it’s something we can all do.”
More than 100,000 volunteers including families, churches and other groups are joining forces to contribute to the largest Christmas project of its kind. In 2017, Operation Christmas Child hopes to collect enough shoebox gifts to reach 12 million children, with 9.6 million coming from the United States.
For more information on how to participate in Operation Christmas Child or to view gift suggestions, call 1-800-353-5949 or visit samaritanspurse.org/occ. 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 specific age and gender, then finish packing the virtual shoebox by adding a photo and personal note of encouragement.
Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief and evangelism organization headed by Franklin Graham. The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world and, together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 146 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 160 countries and territories.
MEDIA NOTE: For complete media materials including high-resolution downloadable photos, visit samaritanspurse.org/occnewsroom. Email occmedia@samaritan.org for local coverage opportunities.
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