News

Here's where to drop off Christmas Child shoeboxes

Hendersonville Presbyterian Church and Grace Church in Mills River are collection sites for Operation Christmas Child, which is Nov. 13-20. [PHOTO BY SAMARITAN’S PURSE]

By Bill Moss, Published: November 14, 2017

Drop-off sites and times are set for Operation Christmas Child, the Samaritan’s Purse project that transforms empty shoeboxes into gifts of hope filled with school supplies, hygiene items and fun toys for needy children worldwide.

National Collection Week is Nov. 13-20.
This year, Hendersonville-area residents hope to contribute more than 12,000 shoebox gifts toward the 2017 global goal of reaching 12 million children. Because of customs regulations, toothpaste and candy are no longer allowed in the boxes. For a list of gift suggestions by age group visit www.samaritanspurse.org.

“We are honored to join the nationwide effort to collect gift-filled shoeboxes for children who may have never experienced the true meaning of Christmas,” said Hendersonville volunteer Linda Stephens, who has participated in Operation Christmas Child for 20 years. “Through these simple gifts and a message of hope, children learn that God loves them and has not forgotten them.”
Collection sites and times are:

Hendersonville Presbyterian Church, 699 N. Grove St.

Monday, Nov. 13, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 14, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 15, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 16, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 17, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 18, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 19, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 20, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Grace Mills River, 495 Cardinal Road, Mills River.

Monday, Nov. 13, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 16, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 17, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 18, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 19, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 20, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

For more information on how to participate in Operation Christmas Child or to view gift suggestions, call 828-442-0816 or visit samaritanspurse.org/occ. Participants may donate $9 per shoebox gift online through “Follow Your Box” and receive a tracking label to discover its destination. Those who prefer the convenience of online shopping can browse samaritanspurse.org/buildonline to select gifts matched to a child’s specific age and gender, then finish packing the virtual shoebox by adding a photo and personal note of encouragement.