This month, sites in the Becker and Clearwater areas will be among 5,000 U.S. drop-off locations collecting shoebox gifts for children overseas during Operation Christmas Child’s National Collection Week, Nov. 18-25.
Area families, churches and groups are busy transforming empty shoeboxes into fun gifts filled with toys, school supplies and hygiene items. The Samaritan’s Purse project partners with local churches across the globe to deliver these tangible expressions of God’s love to children affected by war, disease, disaster, poverty and famine. For many of these children, it will be the first gift they have ever received.
This year, Becker-area residents hope to collect more than 14883 gifts to contribute to the 2019 global goal of reaching 11 million children.
“I love seeing the local community rally together for a global impact,” said Regional Director Gia Moser. “We see all ages getting involved –and more and more every year.”
Area Collection Sites - Becker:
• Oakwood Community Church, 11340 Brenda Boulevard, Becker MN 55308-8946.
- Mon, Nov. 18: 12-3 p.m.; Tue, Nov. 19: 4-7 p.m.; Wed, Nov. 20: 1-4 p.m.; Thu, Nov. 21: 4-7 p.m.; Fri, Nov. 22: 5-7:30 p.m.; Sat, Nov. 23: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Sun, Nov. 24: 1-5 p.m.; Mon, Nov. 25: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Area Collection Sites - Clearwater:
• Rejoice Lutheran Church, 1155 County Road 75 NW, Clearwater MN 55320.
- Mon, Nov. 18: 6-8 p.m.; Tue, Nov. 19: 4-6 p.m.; Wed, Nov. 20: 5-7 p.m.; Thu, Nov. 21: 5-7 p.m.; Fri, Nov. 22: 4-6 p.m.; Sat, Nov. 23: 12-2 p.m.; Sun, Nov. 24: 12-2 p.m.; Mon, Nov. 25: 8-10 a.m.
For more information on how to participate in Operation Christmas Child, call 630-474-9478, or visit samaritanspurse.org/occ. Participants can 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.
