MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - Many Mid-South churches and organizations are encouraging everyone in the area to donate to this year’s Operation Christmas Child. The Christmas project aims to collect shoe boxes filled with items such as toys, school supplies and hygiene items. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected 86 million shoe box gifts and delivered them to impoverished children in more than 130 countries.
This year, the main collection drop-off site is Bartlett United Methodist Church at 5676 Stage Road. Other drop-off locations include: Lifeway Stores, Highland Heights Presbyterian, New Salem Baptist, Providence Baptist, Victory College, and Fellowship Baptist and Grace Community in Millington. All of these locations will be accepting shoe box donations through November 21, 2011.
Nigel Bowen, Bartlett United Methodist Church, says, “We love to support children around the world. These children are not going to receive anything unless we put together a shoe box. The most important thing from Operation Christmas Child is sharing the message of Jesus.”
If you wish to donate to Operation Christmas Child, select whether the shoe box will be going to a boy or a girl and include the age of the child on the box. Include $7 for shipping per box, if possible. Liquids, food, guns or war-themed toys will not be allowed in the shoe boxes.
