Operation Christmas Child: Help deliver shoe boxes full of Christmas joy

Continuing a tradition begun years ago, the First Baptist Church in Ruidoso will serve as the drop-off point for donated items to be packed in shoe boxes and sent to children across the world.

The effort is part of Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan's Purse. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 168 million gift-filled shoe boxes to children in more than 160 countries and territories, according to the organization.

This month, the church in Ruidoso will be among 5,000 drop-off locations in the United States collecting shoe box gifts for children overseas during Operation Christmas Child's National Collection Week, Nov. 18-25.

Ruidoso families, churches and groups are busy transforming empty shoe boxes into fun gifts filled with toys, school supplies and hygiene items, said Donna Clayton with Samaritan's Purse, an international Christian relief and evangelism organization headed by Franklin Graham.

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The Samaritan's Purse project partners with local churches across the globe to deliver the tangible expressions of God's love to children affected by war, disease, disaster, poverty and famine, Clayton said

"For many of these children, it will be the first gift they have ever received," she said.

This year, Ruidoso-area residents hope to collect more than 6,400 gifts to contribute to the 2019 global goal of reaching 11 million children, she said.

"I love seeing the local community rally together for a global impact," said Regional Director Paul Fischbach. "We see all ages getting involved, and more and more every year."

For more information of other options to donate, visit samaritanspurse.org/occ. Participants can donate $9 per shoe box gift online through "Follow Your Box" and receive a tracking label to discover its destination. Those who prefer the convenience of online shopping can browse samaritanspurse.org/buildonline to select gifts matched to a child's specific age and gender, then finish packing the virtual shoe box by adding a photo and personal note of encouragement.

Drop-off times

Where: First Baptist Church, 270 Country Club Drive, Ruidoso

When:

• Monday through Friday, Nov. 18- Nov. 22: 9 a.m. to noon; and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 23: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 24: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• Monday, Nov. 25: 9 a.m. to noon

More:Ruidoso showed strong support for Operation Christmas Child

More:Santa's Helpers receive as much joy as they deliver

According to the information supplied by Samaritan's Purse, "The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God's love in a tangible way to children in need around the world and, together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ."

Reporter Dianne  Stallings can be contacted at dstallings@ruidoosnews.com.