Volunteers in the brand-new NCLA Area are preparing to collect Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts during National Collection Week, Nov. 18 – 25. NCLA was part of the Northwest & Northeast Areas in the past, but now serves 6 rural parishes in the north-central area. This means it is the inaugural year to collect shoeboxes as a new area team. 

In NCLA, drop-offs will be open at First Baptist in Minden, Caney Lake BC in Chatham and at Temple BC in Ruston (Location & hours below). Participants can find the location and hours of operation of their nearest drop-off locations at https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/drop-off-locations/.. 

Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has been collecting and delivering gift-filled shoeboxes to children including many who are suffering from war, poverty, disease and disaster. OCC hopes to reach another 12 million children in 2024 with the hope of Jesus. Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, seeks to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world and, together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 220 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories. 

Shoebox packing is fun for individuals, families and groups! Find a step-by-step guide on the How to Pack a Shoebox webpage. The project partners with local churches across the globe to deliver these tangible expressions of God’s love to children in need. With “Follow Your Box” participants can pay $10 for shipping/supplies and receive a tracking label to discover the destination of the shoebox! 

“Children need hope, and they need to know that they are not alone, and God loves them,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse. 

We hope everyone will join in packing shoeboxes to make a difference! Questions can be directed to Brenda Teal, NCLA Area Coordinator at 318-663-7508.