ROANOKE, Va. – During the week of Nov. 15 to 22, Operation Christmas Child is collecting shoebox donations. Operation Christmas child collects and delivers shoebox gifts to children in need. These shoeboxes are filled with toys, school supplies, hygiene products, and more.
Even though this week marks the start of the drop-off week, there is still time to participate. Individuals or groups can put together a shoebox, fill it with fun items and bring it to a drop-off location by Nov. 22.
These boxes get delivered to children all across the globe. Last year, more than 10,000 shoebox gifts were collected in our area. This project makes sure that no child is forgotten about during the holiday season.
“Oftentimes this is the very first gift that these children have ever received. I have seen children get excited about pencils or socks or a bar of soap. Things that we take for granted, but a lot of these children, these are going to the areas where they are most needed,” said Penny Denny, the regional area coordinator for Operation Christmas Child.
Drop off locations in our area include:
- Covington Bible Church (Covington)
- Craig Valley Baptist Church (New Castle)
- Mill Creek Baptist Church (Fincastle)
- Bonsack Baptist Church (Roanoke)
- Salem Baptist Church (Salem)
- Lynn Haven Baptist Church (Vinton)
- Garden City Church of the Nazarene (Roanoke)
- New Hope Christian Church (Roanoke)
Operation Christmas Child also has an option where you can build a shoebox online. For $25 you can go to their website and they will fill the box for you. You can still pick out what items go in the shoebox to make it more personal.