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.
You can bring your shoeboxes to any drop-off location that will be listed below. They are drive-thru style to avoid contact because of COVID-19 safety protocols. You can also build a shoebox virtually by clicking here.
Drop-off Locations:
- Baskin Baptist Church: 1975 Highway 857 Baskin, La. 71219
- Cherry Ridge Baptist Church: 1005 Cherry Ridge Road Bastrop, La. 71220
- Caney Lake Baptist Church: 10030 Highway 4 Chatham, La. 71226
- First Baptist Church of Columbia: 404 Church Street Columbia, La. 71418
- Lakeshore Baptist Church: 308 Lakeshore Drive Monroe, La. 71203
- First Church of God of Oak Grove: 206 S. Briggs Street Oak Grove, La. 71263
- First Baptist Church: 1306 Louisa Street Rayville, La. 71269
- Temple Baptist Church: 1515 S. Service Road W Ruston, La. 71270
- Fair Park Baptist Church: 4412 Whites Ferry Road West Monroe, La. 71291
