Valley drop-off locations set to open for Operation Christmas Child

Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has been collecting and delivering gift-filled shoeboxes to children including many who are suffering from war, poverty, disease and disaster.

By the MVI

Volunteers are preparing to collect Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts during National Collection Week, Nov. 17–24. Nearly 5,000 drop-off locations will open across the country later this month, and shoebox packers can access several drop-off locations in the Mon Valley.

Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has been collecting and delivering gift-filled shoeboxes to children including many who are suffering from war, poverty, disease and disaster. Operation Christmas Child hopes to reach another 12 million children in 2025 “with the hope of Jesus.”

Operation Christmas Child is the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind and its goal for 2025 is 12.8 million shoebox gifts globally with 11.1 million of these from the U.S. The goal for the Mid Atlantic North District, which Mon Valley churches are a part of, is 100 sea containers or 736,901 shoebox gifts.

The process of packing a shoe box gift begins with a standard size shoe box and deciding to pack for a boy or a girl. Select an item such as a doll, a soccer ball and pump, or a stuffed animal. Fill the box to the brim with other fun toys, personal care items and school supplies. The box can also include an encouraging note and photo for the child.

A suggested donation of $10 per shoe box helps to lower shipping and other project costs. Do not include toothpaste, bar soap, candy or gum, liquids, medication, vitamins, anything used or damaged, breakable or war-related items.

Local drop-off locations and hours are:

Fayette City Alliance Church

Fayette City Alliance Church, 211 Connellsville St., is, once again, gearing up for this year’s Operation Christmas Child. The church will be open to receive shoebox gifts at the following times: 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 17; 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 18; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 19; noon to 2 p.m. Nov. 20; 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 21; 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 22; noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 23; 8 to 10 a.m. Nov. 24.

For more information, call 724-326-4020 or 724-3264417 or email fcacl5438@gmail.com. To inquire at the national level, call 1-800353-5949 or go to samaritanspurse. org/occ.

Crossroads Ministries

Crossroads Ministries, located at 81 Walter Long Road, Finleyville, will collect shoebox gifts at the following times: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 17-22 and Nov. 24; 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 19; 9 a.m. .to 5 p.m. Nov. 23

The Source Church Pittsburgh

The Source Church Pittsburgh, located at 1922 Pennsylvania Ave., West Mifflin will collect shoebox gifts at the following times: 3 to 6 p.m. Nov. 17, 18 and 20; 3 to 5 p.m. Nov. 19; 3 to 7 p.m. Nov. 21; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 22; 2 to 6 p.m. Nov. 23; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 24.