Drop-off locations 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. 16–23. 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 12.8 million children in 2026 “with the hope of Jesus.”
Operation Christmas Child is the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind. More than 12.2 million shoebox gifts were collected globally in 2025, 10.9 million from the U.S. alone. In 2026, Operation Christmas Child hopes to collect enough shoeboxes to reach an additional 12.8 million children.
Over 541,000 volunteers worldwide — with more than 202,000 of those in the U.S. — are involved in collecting, shipping and distributing shoebox gifts.
The process of packing a shoebox gift begins with a standard size shoebox 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.
“Shoebox gifts may seem simple, but they have an eternal impact. Each box is an opportunity to tell a boy or girl in need about the true meaning of Christmas,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse. “I’ve delivered these boxes around the world, and I never get tired of seeing the joy that they bring — even in the midst of disasters, war, and poverty.”
A suggested donation of $10 per shoebox 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
For the 20th year, Fayette City Alliance Church, 211 Connellsville St., will serve as a drop-off center for Operation Christmas Child.
The church will be open to receive shoebox gifts at the following times: 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 16; 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 17; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 18; noon to 2 p.m. Nov. 19; 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 20; 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 21; noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 22; 8 to 10 a.m. Nov. 23.
For more information, call 724-326-4020 or 724-3264417 or email fcacl5438@gmail.com.
To inquire at the national level, call 1-800-353-5949 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. 16-21 and Nov. 23; 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 18; 9 a.m. .to 5 p.m. Nov. 22.
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. 16-17, Nov. 19-20; 3 to 5 p.m. Nov. 18; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 21; 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 22; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 23.
