Several locations will serve as collection sites this year in the Tryon area for the Samaritan’s Purse project Operation Christmas Child, the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind.

During National Collection Week, Nov. 14–21, Polk County residents will donate shoeboxes filled with school supplies, hygiene items, notes of encouragement and fun toys, such as a doll or soccer ball for Operation Christmas Child to deliver to children in need around the world. This year, Tryon and surrounding area residents hope to contribute more than 15,000 shoebox gifts toward the 2016 global goal of reaching 12 million children.

“The shoebox gifts donated by Tryon volunteers at these drop-off locations will shine a light of hope to children living in poverty overseas,” said regional leader Autumn Hanline. “Anyone is welcome to pack a shoebox and help a child facing difficult circumstances to feel loved and not forgotten.”

For more information on how to participate in Operation Christmas Child, call 704-583-1463 or visit samaritanspurse.org/occ. By going online to give the suggested donation of $7 per shoebox gift, participants can follow their box to discover where in the world it will be delivered. They can also pack a shoebox gift online and even upload a photo and note of encouragement.

Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief and evangelism organization headed by Franklin Graham. The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

– article submitted by Operation Christmas Child

Local Collection Sites:

Polk Baptist Association, 208 Blanton Street, Columbus, N.C. 28722

Mon, Nov. 14: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Tue, Nov. 15: 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Wed, Nov. 16: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Thu, Nov. 17: 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Fri, Nov. 18: 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Sat, Nov. 19: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Sun, Nov. 20: 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Mon, Nov. 21: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Pleasant View Community Church, 129 Michael Drive, Forest City, NC 28043

Mon, Nov. 14: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Tue, Nov. 15: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Wed, Nov. 16: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Thu, Nov. 17: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Fri, Nov. 18: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Sat, Nov. 19: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Sun, Nov. 20: 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Mon, Nov. 21: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Second Baptist Church, 191 Green Street, Rutherfordton, N.C. 28139

Mon, Nov. 14: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Tue, Nov. 15: 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Wed, Nov. 16: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Thu, Nov. 17: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Fri, Nov. 18: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Sat, Nov. 19: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Sun, Nov. 20: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Mon, Nov. 21: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Hours subject to change.