News release
This month, families, churches and groups are busy transforming empty shoeboxes into fun gifts filled with toys, school supplies and hygiene items. Operation Christmas Child is in full swing, with National Collection Week set for Nov. 15 to 22.
Operation Christmas Child is a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief organization headquartered in Boone, N.C. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 188 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories. For many children, this is the first gift they will ever receive.
Rachel Albin of Hays, northwest Kansas area director, said that 7,130 boxes were collected in northwest Kansas in 2020.
Hays has two drop-off locations: CrossPoint Church, 1300 Harvest Road; and Messiah Lutheran Church, 2000 Main.
Drop-off times at CrossPoint Church are:
Monday, Nov. 15, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 16, 3 to 5 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 17, 4 to 6 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 18, 3 to 5 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 19, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 20, 4 to 6 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 21, 4 to 6 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 22, 9 to 11 a.m.
Drop-off times at Messiah Lutheran Church are:
Monday, Nov. 15, 4 to 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 16, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 17, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 18, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 19, 4 to 6 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 20, 1 to 3 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 21, 1 to 3 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 22, 9 to 11 a.m.
“I’m thrilled that these churches are able to offer local drop-off locations for those in Ellis County," Albin said. "The ministry knows that making it easier for people to find a location and drop off their shoeboxes increases participation.
“These churches are excited to serve their community and fulfill sending love and hope through these shoebox gifts that the children will receive,” she added.
Those who prefer the convenience of online shopping can browse HERE to select gifts matched to a child’s specific age and gender, then finish packing the virtual shoebox by adding a photo and personal note of encouragement.
More information is available from Albin at (785) 639-1325 or [email protected].