Public can donate shoe boxes with gifts for needy children

East Hawaii residents are being asked to perpetuate a holiday tradition Nov. 14-21.

During National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child by Samaritan’s Purse, people can donate shoe boxes — filled with school supplies, hygiene items, notes of encouragement and fun toys, such as a doll or soccer ball — to deliver to children in need around the world.”

The East Hawaii goal is to contribute more than 6,000 shoebox gifts toward the 2016 global goal of reaching 12 million children.

Shoeboxes with donated items can be dropped off at:

• Hilo Missionary Church, 1044 Komohana St. in Hilo, 3-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday.

• Puna Covenant Church, 16-647 Old Volcano Road, Keaau, 2-6 p.m. Monday-Sunday (except 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 21).

• First Assembly of God, 28-1104 Old Mamalahoa Highway, Pepeekeo, noon-2 p.m. Mondays and 9 a.m.-noon Tuesday-Sunday.

• Big Island Toyota, 811 Kanoelehua Ave., Hilo, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.

For more information about preparing shoeboxes or to make monetary donations, call Nell Quay at 987-7373 or visit samaritanspurse.org/occ.