First Baptist church opens collection site for the world's largest Christmas project

First Baptist Church in California will serve as a collection site for Operation Christmas Child-the world's largest Christmas project of its kind. The annual Samaritan's Purse project is a favorite of many area residents, families, churches and groups who spread joy to millions of children around the world by filling shoeboxes with a "Wow" item-like a doll or soccer ball-other fun toys, school supplies, hygiene items and notes of encouragement.

"Through the simple act of filling a shoebox, someone in California or surrounding area can make a tangible difference in the life of a child halfway around the world. Anyone can participate and bring joy to a child facing difficult circumstances," said First Baptist Church volunteer Gerri Ogle, who has participated in Operation Christmas Child for five years.

At First Baptist Church during National Collection Week, Nov. 16 - 23, anyone can drop off a gift-filled shoebox to send to a child overseas. Area residents hope to contribute more than 800 shoebox gifts to the 2015 global goal of reaching 11 million children in need.

First Baptist Church

208 S. Oak

California, MO 65018

OPERATING HOURS:

Monday, Nov. 16, 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 17, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 18, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 4 - 7 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 19, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 20, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 21, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 22, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 23, 7:30a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan's Purse, an international Christian relief and evangelism organization headed by Franklin Graham. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has delivered gift-filled shoeboxes to more than 124 million children in more than 150 countries and territories. For many of these children, a gift-filled shoebox is the first gift they have ever received.

For more information about how to participate in Operation Christmas Child call 573-796-4452. With a computer or mobile device, anyone can conveniently pack a personalized Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift on the Samaritan's Purse website. Go to samaritanspurse.org/occ to select toys and gift items, write a note of encouragement and "pack" them in a shoebox. These gifts of hope will go to children in some of the hardest-to-reach countries.