Allen’s Chapel and Buckner's Chapel Churches join with other churches and groups across the nation collecting shoe boxes packed with toys and other items for needy children. November 13 through the 20th is National Collections Week for Operation Christmas Child, an outreach of Samaritan’s Purse.
Operations Christmas Child Drop Off Leader Beth Gill of Allen’s Chapel Church says the church at 1037 Coconut Ridge Road in Smithville will be open each day at specific times to accept people’s donation. *(See schedule below.) Churches and groups of all sizes collect boxes from their community each year to provide for children around the world.
If you’re interested in giving, here’s what Samaritan’s Purse recommends. Donors should include one “wow” item like a soccer ball and pump, stuffed animal, musical instrument, large truck or doll, personal care items, crafts and activities, smaller toys, school supplies, clothing and accessories. More details on what to pack and what NOT to include can be found by following this link: https://samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/what-goes-in-my-shoebox-suggestions/#gift-search-section.
Boxes are packed by gender and the age groupings of 2-4, 5-9, and 10-14. If you want, you can include a personal note and picture of your family to the child.
To make sure your shoebox gift gets to a child of the right gender and age, Samaritan’s Purse offers some different label options. Labels also offer a way for you to give the necessary $10 donation per shoebox to provide for collection, processing, shipping, and other project costs. If you donate online, the labels allow you to “Follow Your Box” and find out the country where your box will be delivered with the message of Christ’s love. You can simply check back on this page later to learn the destination of your box. Additional details for preparing the box for shipping are online: https://samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/label-options/#activate-labels.
Shoeboxes are distributed in more than 100 countries. Volunteer national leadership teams train pastors and community leaders who want to share the message of the Gospel and bless children. The leaders learn how to host child-friendly outreach events, and how to implement The Greatest Journey follow-up discipleship program.
**Drop-off Days and Hours at Allen’s Chapel, 1037 Coconut Ridge Road
· Monday, Nov. 13 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
· Tuesday, Nov. 14 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
· Wednesday, Nov. 15 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
· Thursday, Nov. 16 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
· Friday, Nov. 17 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
· Saturday, Nov. 18 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
· Sunday, Nov. 19 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
· Monday, Nov. 20 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
