Several local locations will serve as collection sites this year for the Samaritan’s Purse project Operation Christmas Child – the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind.

During National Collection Week, Nov. 14-21, Wood County residents will donate shoeboxes – filled with school supplies, hygiene items, notes of encouragement and fun toys, such as a doll or soccer ball – for Operation Christmas Child to deliver to children in need around the world.

“The shoebox gifts donated by volunteers at these drop-off locations will shine a light of hope to children living in poverty overseas,” said Regional Director Matt McCelland. “Anyone is welcome to pack a shoebox and help a child facing difficult circumstances to feel loved and not forgotten.”

The drop-off location for Wood County is at the First United Methodist Church in Quitman. Drop-off hours are 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Nov. 14-19 and Nov. 21. On Tuesday and Thursday, Nov. 15 and 17, hours will be extended from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. On Sunday, Nov. 20, the drop-off time is 1-3 p.m.

Hours are subject to change. For more information on how to participate in Operation Christmas Child, call 817-595-2230 or visit samaritanspurse.org/occ.

By going online to give the suggested donation of $7 per shoebox gift, participants can follow their box to discover where in the world it will be delivered. They can also pack a shoebox gift online and even upload a photo and note of encouragement.