Operation Christmas Child Begins Shoebox Collections Nov. 13-17

Volunteers at the Operation Christmas Child (OCC) Drop Off Location in Sturgeon Bay are getting ready to receive hundreds of gift-filled shoebox gifts from churches, service groups, and individuals from Door and Kewaunee counties. The nationwide collection week for OCC is Nov. 13-19. Locally, shoebox gifts can be dropped off at the First Baptist Church Relay Center in Sturgeon Bay at 610 N. Fifth Avenue from 4-6 pm, Nov. 13-17; and 1-3 pm, Nov. 18-19.

“Collection week is always an exciting time, said OCC Drop Off Center Leader Pamela Parks. “People are so excited to be filling shoeboxes with school supplies, toys, clothing, stuffed animals and hygiene items for children in need. They have fun packing the boxes and they know that each box will be a meaningful gift to a child who most likely has never had a gift before. The shoebox gifts are tangible gifts of love.”

To pack a shoebox gift, start with a standard-size cardboard or plastic shoebox. Fill the shoebox with new items for a boy or girl age 2-4 years, 5-9 years, or 10-14 years. Suggested items are school supplies, hygiene items, toys, flashlights with extra batteries, and clothes. A picture or note to the child receiving the box can also be included. Avoid packing liquids (such as shampoo, bubbles, and hand sanitizer), perishables (no candy, food or toothpaste), glass, items that melt, war-related items, or used items. Paste the label on your box (labels available online) and add $9 (suggested donation and made payable to Samaritan’s Purse) to help cover shipping costs. Or, pay the shipping costs online at samaritanspurse.org and receive a tag to track your box’s final destination. For more information, visit samaritanspurse.org or contact Parks at 920.825.1104.