OCC Collection Week is Nov. 17 – 23

Volunteers are getting ready to receive hundreds of filled shoebox gifts from all over Door and Kewaunee counties for Samaritan’s Purses’ project Operation Christmas Child (OCC). The nationwide collection week is Nov. 17 – 23. This year, the volunteers are setting the goal of collecting a record 1,700 shoebox gifts that will be distributed to more than 100 countries.

To pack a shoebox, start with a standard-size cardboard or plastic shoebox and fill with new items for a boy or girl age two to four years, five to nine years, or 10-14 years. Suggested items are school supplies, hygiene items, toys, flashlights with extra batteries, hard candy/gum in a Ziploc bag, and clothes. Paste the label on your box (labels available online) and add $7 or more (make donations payable to Samaritan’s Purse) to cover shipping costs. Or, pay the shipping costs online at samaritanspurse.org and receive a tag to track your box’s final destination.

Shoeboxes will be accepted at First Baptist Church of Sturgeon Bay from Nov. 17 to 23. Hours are 4 to 6 pm Monday through Friday, and 1 to 3 pm on Saturday and Sunday. For more information, visit samaritanspurse.org or contact Pamela Parks at 920.559.1240.