Operation Christmas Child Underway

Operation Christmas Child is again gearing up this holiday season across the country and this region is no different.

Samaritan’s Purse, an international relief organization, runs Operation Christmas Child each year.

Operation Christmas Child collects shoeboxes filled with items to send to children in war-torn and poverty stricken areas around the world.

This is National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child.

Daina Durham is the Gainesville Area Coordinator for Operation Christmas Child.

She said getting involved is as simple as building as a shoebox.

“You would have like a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, a washrag, toys, pencils, paper that you fill the shoebox with and that is designated either to a boy or girl and then we have different age groups,” said Durham.

Durham went on to say that people are also encouraged to personalize the shoebox that they donate.

“One thing I want to add that is really great to put in the shoebox is a note from the person who packed the shoebox and maybe a picture of that person,” said Durham. “That is a great way to show the child there is a person behind the shoebox that cares.”

In Toccoa, shoeboxes can be dropped off at the First Presbyterian Church.

According to the Operation Christmas Child website, drop-off hours this week are today through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday from 12:30 to 5 p.m.

Other drop-off locations can be found by going online to the Operation Christmas Child website at samaritanspurse.org.

Durham said the website also gives people the option of creating and donating a shoebox online.

“It really works well for people who don’t like to shop or know how to shop,” said Durham.

Again, the website for more information is samaritanspurse.org, then find the Operation Christmas Child link.

People can also get more information by calling 770-777-9342.