MASSACHUSETTS — Collection week for Operation Christmas Child is officially underway, with nearly 5,000 drop-off sites now open nationwide. Residents across Massachusetts are encouraged to fill a shoebox with toys, school supplies, and hygiene items and bring it to a local collection point anytime between Nov. 17 and Nov. 24.
For more than 30 years, Operation Christmas Child—an outreach project of Samaritan’s Purse—has delivered these shoebox gifts to children living in difficult conditions around the world. This year, the organization hopes contributions from Massachusetts will help it reach its global goal of sending 12 million shoeboxes to children in need. Each gift is delivered through partnerships with churches in more than 170 countries and is meant to offer comfort and a tangible reminder of God’s love.
“Every shoebox gift is an opportunity to tell a boy or girl that God loves them,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse. “I’m grateful for everyone who packs a shoebox, because these simple gifts open the door for the Gospel.”
Those planning to donate can use the online locator tool to find the closest drop-off site and its hours of operation. Each location will be clearly marked with signs to guide participants.
Supporters who prefer donating digitally can build a shoebox online at samaritanspurse.org/buildonline. The virtual option allows donors to choose age-appropriate items, add a photo or message, and send a gift to children living in some of the most remote places in the world—from rugged mountain villages to urban slums and isolated Pacific islands.
Since the project began in 1993, Operation Christmas Child has delivered more than 232 million shoebox gifts worldwide, continuing its mission of sharing joy, hope, and the Christian message with children across the globe.
