Aliso Viejo Church Collecting Christmas Gifts For Children

ALISO VIEJO, CA — Coast Hills Community Church will serve as a local collection site for Operation Christmas Child from Monday through Nov. 23, accepting shoebox gifts intended for children around the world.

The church, located at 5 Pursuit in Aliso Viejo, will collect packed shoeboxes during designated hours throughout the week.

Operation Christmas Child, a project of the Christian humanitarian organization Samaritan's Purse, distributes shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies and personal care items to children in communities affected by poverty, war, disease and natural disasters.

The annual collection is part of a worldwide Christian outreach effort that combines gift distribution with religious ministry.

According to Samaritan's Purse, more than 244 million shoebox gifts have been collected and delivered to children in more than 175 countries and territories since the program began in 1993.

The organization hopes to reach 12.8 million children in 2026.

Aliso Viejo residents interested in participating can pack a shoebox with appropriate gifts and bring it to Coast Hills Community Church during the following collection hours:

• Monday, Nov. 16: 12:30–2:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, Nov. 17: 12:30–2:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, Nov. 18: 6–8 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 19: 12:30–2:30 p.m.
• Friday, Nov. 20: 2–4 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 21: 9–11 a.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 22: 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
• Monday, Nov. 23: 12:30–2:30 p.m.

Participants are encouraged to select gifts appropriate for a child's age and follow the organization's packing guidelines.

Samaritan's Purse also offers a "Follow Your Box" option, allowing donors who make a $10 online contribution to receive a tracking label and learn the destination of their gift.

No registration is listed for dropping off a completed shoebox at the church.

Donors should review the packing instructions before arriving, as certain items are prohibited.

For more information about the local collection, contact Coast Hills Community Church at 949-362-0079 or visit the church's website.

Packing instructions and additional drop-off locations are available through the official Operation Christmas Child website.