Two drop-off sites for shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child to open Monday

QUINCY — More than 4,500 locations, including two in Quincy, will be open Nov. 13-20 to collect Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts for the Samaritan’s Purse project.

Operation Christmas Child has been collecting and delivering shoebox gifts — filled with school supplies, personal care items and fun toys — to children worldwide since 1993. Operation Christmas Child hopes to collect enough shoeboxes this year to reach another 11 million children.

People, families and groups still have time to transform empty shoeboxes into fun gifts. The project partners with local churches across the globe to deliver these expressions of God’s love to children in need. Find a step-by-step guide on the How to Pack a Shoebox webpage.

In a press release, Julie O’Connor, a volunteer with Operation Christmas Child, said, “We have something in us that wants to make sure we are loved, and we want others to feel loved. When we can help somebody feel that way, to feel they’re being taken care of and they’re loved, that’s good for the person packing the gift and good for the one receiving it. This is all about sharing love and joy and hope.”

The online lookup tool for nearest drop-off location is searchable by city or ZIP code. Signs at each location will identify the drop-off. Quincy has two drop-off facilities:

Madison Park Christian Church at “The Commons” — 311 N. 48th

• Nov. 13-17 — 4 to 6 p.m.
• Nov. 18 — 9 to 11 a.m.
• Nov. 19 — 1 to 3 p.m.
• Nov. 20 — 8 to 10 a.m.

 Columbus Road Baptist Church at the “Kidzone” Building — 3601 Columbus Road

• Nov. 13 and 14 — 5 to 7 p.m.
• Nov. 15 — 4 to 6 p.m.
• Nov. 16 — 5 to 7 p.m.
• Nov. 17 — noon to 2 p.m.
• Nov. 18 — 10 a.m. to noon
• Nov. 19 — 2 to 4 p.m.
• Nov. 20 — 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.