Operation Christmas Child has been collecting and delivering shoebox gifts – filled with school supplies, hygiene items and fun toys – to children worldwide for more than two decades. This is a project that everyone can still be a part of, even with COVID-19 restrictions.

There’s still time for individuals, families and groups 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.

Find a step-by-step guide on the How to Pack a Shoebox webpage samaritanspurse.org.

“In the midst of the pandemic, the needs are greater than ever before,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse. “Children around the world need to know that God loves them and there is hope. A simple shoebox gift opens the door to share about the true hope that can only be found in Jesus Christ.”

Participants can also find the nearest drop-off location and hours of operation as they make plans to drop off their shoebox gifts. The online lookup tool is searchable by city or ZIP code. Signs at each location will identify the curbside drop off.

Every year, National Collection Week takes place the third week in November, Nov. 16-23, when over 4,000 drop-off locations are open across the country.

Or shoebox gifts can be mailed to Samaritan’s Purse international headquarters or dropped off at one of the permanent ministry centers. You can also bless a child in need without leaving your own home by building a shoebox online.

Local drop off is in Quitman at the First United Methodist Church, 406 E. Lane Street from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day.