KAILUA-KONA — More than 4,500 locations will open to collect Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts for the Samaritan’s Purse project.
Volunteers are preparing to collect shoebox gifts during National Collection Week, Nov. 18 to Nov. 25.
Operation Christmas Child has been collecting and delivering shoebox gifts — filled with school supplies, hygiene items and fun toys — to children worldwide since 1993.
Anyone can pack a shoebox. In 2024, Operation Christmas Child hopes to collect enough shoeboxes to reach another 12 million children.
Individuals, families and groups still have time to transform empty shoeboxes into fun gifts. The project partners with local churches across the globe to deliver these tangible expressions to children in need.
Preprinted shoeboxes are available at Wisteria Lane Flooring or Pink Mocha Cafe, both in Kona, or pack one of your own. Visit samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/ for more information, including how to pack a shoe box and find dropoff locations.
“Now more than ever, children around the world need to know that God loves them and there is hope,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse, which is a nonprofit charity. “A simple shoebox gift opens the door to share about the true hope that can only be found in Jesus Christ.”
Participants can drop off at Living Stones Church in Kona, or find the nearest drop-off location and hours of operation by visiting the website.