Faith Evangelical Free Church in Stanley is once again serving as a local drop-off site for Operation Christmas Child, part of the nationwide project organized by Samaritan’s Purse. The church is one of 4,500 drop-off locations open across the country during National Collection Week, held November 17–24.
Operation Christmas Child invites individuals, families, and groups to fill shoeboxes with small gifts, school supplies, and hygiene items for children in need around the world. Samaritan’s Purse hopes to collect 12 million shoebox gifts nationwide this year.
Faith Evangelical Free Church Children’s Ministry Coordinator Jaime Barth said the project is a wonderful way for the community to make a global impact. “It is not too late to participate... pack a ShoeBox gift and bring it in or build one online via BASBO (Build A Shoebox Online),” Barth said.
Last year was the church’s first year as an official drop-off location, and the response far exceeded expectations. “We couldn’t fit all the boxes in my or Pastor Matt’s truck,” Barth shared. “We had to make a last-minute call to find a U-Haul trailer to take all the boxes to the Eau Claire collection location!” she explained, noting that Reit’s Garden Center generously donated the trailer to haul the boxes.
This year, volunteers from Faith Evangelical Free Church will also travel to the Operation Christmas Child processing center in Aurora, Illinois, December 1–2, to help prepare shoeboxes for shipment. Barth said she still has spaces available for anyone interested in joining the group, and participants can register on the church website.
The church will also host its annual shoebox packing party on Wednesday, November 12, at 6 p.m. Community members are invited to attend, pack gifts together, and learn more about how each box shares hope with children around the world.
For more information about drop-off hours, the upcoming packing party, or the Aurora trip, visit faithfreestanley.org or contact the church office at 715-644-2001.
To learn more about the Samaritan Purse’s Operation Christmas Child, visit www.samaritanspurse.org.