Local churches and individuals are teaming up to give needy children around the world a box of happiness, wrapped only in a shoebox and the public is invited to help spread God’s love in the form of these presents.
Operation Christmas Child uses simple gift-filled shoe boxes to let hurting children know that they are loved. Kids, families, groups, and schools pack empty shoe box gifts with items most people take for granted such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, toys, candy, colors, pencils, and other items which are dropped off at Coggin Avenue Baptist Church. From there, the shoe boxes go from Brownwood to Abilene then on to Denver, Colorado. Upon arrival in Colorado, they are checked and hand delivered to children worldwide using whatever means necessary – sea containers, trucks, trains, planes, helicopters, boats, elephants, and dog sleds.
Last year Brownwood delivered 1570 boxes to Abilene. Organizers state that they would like to double that number in 2011. Last year, 8.5 million boxes were delivered to children who are suffering because of natural disasters, disease, war, terrorism, famine and poverty.
Anyone can participate in Operation Christmas Child right now. National Collection Week is Nov 14-21. For more information on how to participate call Coggin Avenue Baptist Church at 325-646-1506. The drop off dates and times are:
- Monday, Nov. 14th – Thursday, Nov. 17th from 4:00pm – 7:00pm
- Friday, Nov. 18th from 2:00pm – 7:00pm
- Saturday, Nov. 19th from 9:00am – 12 Noon
- Sunday, Nov. 20th from 3:00pm – 5:00pm
- Monday, Nov. 21st from 9:00am – 11:00am
Operation Christmas Child is a project of international Christian relief and evangelism organization Samaritan’s Purse, headed by Franklin Graham. While Samaritan’s Purse works to meet critical physical needs, such as clean water, health care and food, OCC addresses a need for which children are just as desperate – the need to have hope and feel loved. For some children it may be the first gift they have ever received. Go to their web site to learn more –
