MONROE, La. – This National Operation Christmas Child Collection Week, the Samaritan’s Purse is hoping to collect millions of prepackaged shoeboxes to bring joy to kids around the world.
Through Operation Christmas Child, the organization also shares the good news of the Gospel to them as well.
“Showing that love really comes from him. So, it’s an exciting thing to do to share with them not just the new items, but to share Christ, and that’s eternal,” says Pam Thompson, central drop-off leader for northeast Louisiana.
Thompson says it’s important to send off that shoebox to put a smile on each child’s face. “They offer different ways that you can reach out to other people across the world, and the best way is through a simple gift in a shoebox.”
This year, Thompson says they’re hoping to send off 20,000 shoebox gifts from northeast Louisiana.
You can fill your shoebox with hygiene products like toothbrushes, school supplies and even toys. Thompson says they are all greatly needed and appreciated by each kid who receives them.
“I think the favorite thing they get are the stuffed animals, something you can hold and love. But anything they can fit in there, they are grateful to have.”
Some items that can’t be accepted are toothpaste, candy, liquids or any war-related items.
