Drop-off now available for Operation Christmas Child

Drop-off locations are now open for Operation Christmas Child, including one location in Fulton.

Operation Christmas Child is a project that collects and delivers "shoebox gifts", which are shoeboxes full of school supplies, hygiene items and toys, according to a press release. The project has been ongoing since 1993 and provides gifts to children all over the world.

Operation Christmas Child is put on by Samaritan's Purse. According to a press release, the project "seeks to demonstrate God's love in a tangible way to children in need around the world..."

Nov. 14-21 is National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child. 17 locations across central Missouri are open for donations. There are more than 4,500 drop-off location total, according to a press release.

The First Baptist Church (701 Court St.) is the Fulton drop-off location. Other local locations include Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church (10864 Platinum Dr.) in Holts Summit, Concord Baptist Church (3724 West Truman Blvd.) and Memorial Baptist Church (1120 Madison St.) in Jefferson City.

A full list of drop-off locations can be found on the Operation Christmas Child website. Hours of operation can also be found here.

In 2021, a total of 20,777 shoebox gifts in central Missouri were donated. The goal for 2022 is 22,222 shoebox gifts, according to a press release. The project overall hopes to donate shoeboxes to 11 million children.

Information on how to pack a shoebox can be found on the Operation Christmas Child website. The project also has an option to build a shoebox online.