HOWLAND - Operation Christmas Child will be collecting shoe boxes filled with Christmas gifts for children around the world.
Local representatives with what's called the world's largest Christmas project bring children in other parts of the world special gifts - shoe boxes filled with toys, school supplies and hygiene items.
National Collection Week for shoe box gifts is Nov. 12 to 19. A location for items to be dropped off is at 5000 E. Market St., Howland.
Event organizers said impoverished areas of the world seek school supplies and basic clothing.
In 2012, Operation Christmas Child expects to collect and deliver the 100 millionth shoe box gift - a milestone reached after 20 years.
Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan's Purse, an international Christian relief and evangelism organization headed by Franklin Graham.
Fact Box
What is Samaritan's Purse?
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 hand-delivered more than 94 million gift-filled shoe boxes to needy children in more than 130 countries. For many of these children, the simple shoe box will be the first gift they have ever received.
You can help
PACK A SHOE BOX GIFT - Fill shoe boxes with school supplies, toys, necessity items, candy and a letter of encouragement. Step-by-step shoe box packing instructions are available at www.SamaritansPurse.org/OCC.
SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER - Volunteer opportunities are available at www.SamaritansPurse.org/OCC. Click on "Volunteer" for more details and information.
SPREAD THE WORD - Help enlist families, churches, scout troops, community groups, and businesses to take part in creating shoe box gifts.
Shoeboxes can be filled with school supplies, toys, necessity items, candy and a letter of encouragement.
For information on locations and to sign up as a volunteer, visit www.SamaritansPurse.org.