November 14, 2021
By: Dwayne Page
DeKalb County residents have the opportunity to donate to the National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child, beginning Monday, November 15 through Monday, November 22.
Operation Christmas Child is a ministry 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 188 million shoeboxes to children in over 170 countries and territories.
For many of these children, the gift filled shoebox is the first gift they have ever received. Also, to help offset shipping costs, participants are asked to donate $9 per shoebox gift. They will receive a tracking label, enabling them to learn the destination of their shoebox gift.
The drop-off/relay center for this area is located at the Indian Creek Memorial Baptist Church, 967 Hurricane Ridge Road, Smithville, Tennessee, and is a convenient place for churches, clubs, schools, businesses, and individuals to bring their filled shoe boxes.
The local drop off center will be open, as follows:
*Monday, November 15 through Friday, November 19 – 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
* Saturday, November 20 – 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
*Sunday, November 21 – 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
*Monday, November 22 – 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
You may select from the above dates and hours to deliver your filled shoe boxes to the center.
This holiday season you can experience the true meaning of Christmas with a child in need by simply packing your shoeboxes with toys, hygiene items, school supplies, and other small gifts. During this Coronavirus Pandemic: Now, more than ever, CHILDREN NEED HOPE.
For further information please contact:
Sue Puckett:
615/597-7325 (home)
615/464-7700 (cell)suepuckett@dtccom.net (e-mail)
For more information, including guidelines for shoebox gifts and an option to virtually “Build a Box,” visit www.samaritanspurse.org/occ