Volunteers will collect Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts during Nov. 16-23

Volunteers in Urbana are preparing to collect Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts during National Collection Week, Nov. 16 – 23. 

Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has been collecting and delivering gift-filled shoeboxes to children including many who are suffering from war, poverty, disease and disaster. Operation Christmas Child hopes to reach 12.8 million children in 2026 with the hope of Jesus.

Participants can find the nearest drop-off location and hours of operation as they make plans to drop off their shoebox gifts.

Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan's Purse, seeks 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. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 244 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 175 countries and territories.