Special to Atmore News
More than 4,500 locations, including one in Atmore, will collect Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts during National Collection Week, which runs from Monday, November 13, through Monday, November 20.
Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered shoebox gifts — filled with school supplies, personal care items and fun toys — to more than 209 million children in more than 170 countries and territories since it was organized in 1993. Officials of the Christian charity hope to collect enough shoeboxes this year, the 30th that the Samaritan’s Purse ministry has been in existence, to reach another 11 million children.
Individuals, families, and groups still have time to transform empty shoeboxes into fun gifts. The project partners with local churches across the globe to deliver these tangible expressions of God’s love to children in need.
“Children around the world need to know that God loves them and there is hope,” said Samaritan’s Purse President Franklin Graham. “A simple shoebox gift opens the door to share about the true hope that can only be found in Jesus Christ.”
The local collection point will again be Grace Fellowship Church, 1412 East Nashville Avenue. Collection dates and times are:
*Monday, Nov. 13, through Wednesday, Nov. 15: 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
*Wednesday, Nov. 15 (evening): 6 p.m.-8 p.m.
*Thursday, Nov. 16, and Friday, Nov. 17: 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
*Saturday, Nov. 18: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
*Sunday, Nov. 19: 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
*Monday, Nov. 20: 8 a.m.- 11 a.m.
Those outside Atmore who wish to participate can find the nearest drop-off location and hours of operation at samaritanspurse.org.