Local families are turning empty shoeboxes into gifts of hope for boys and girls in need by filling them with school supplies like pencils, crayons and notebooks, personal care items and fun toys with Operation Christmas Child.
This is the 30th that Samaritan’s Purse’s project aims to reach around the world.
In 2023, Operation Christmas Child hopes to collect enough shoeboxes to reach another 11 million children.
The nationwide collection week is Nov. 13-20. Across the U.S., the boxes head to eight processing centers where they are inspected, packed into cartons and shipped.
People are invited to repurpose an empty shoebox, wrap the lid separately from the box, and fill the box.
Kathy Newman, Santa Cruz County coordinator with her husband, recommends starting with a “wow” item, such as a stuffed animal or soccer ball, deflated, accompanied by a pump.
Yes, a soccer ball will fit in a shoebox once deflated and rolled.
Newman said volunteers at Felton Bible Church recently packed more than 500 soccer balls.
After the wow, then add toys, personal care items, toothbrush, washcloth, a bar of soap, and school supplies, such as pens and crayons.
No liquid or gels, nothing breakable.
Nothing with an expiration date —such as candy — is allowed because that will create problems at the border.
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There are three drop-off locations:
Corralitos Community Church
26 Browns Valley Road, Corralitos
Hours
- Nov. 13 & 16 &18: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Nov. 14, 15 & 17: 2- 5 p.m.
- Nov. 19: 1-3 p.m.
- Nov. 20: 9-11:30 a.m.
Santa Cruz Community Church
411 Roxas St., Santa Cruz
Hours
- Nov. 13 & 18: 11 a.m.– 3 p.m.
- Nov. 14: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Nov. 15: 3-6 p.m.
- Nov. 16: 1-4 p.m.
- Nov. 17: 4 – 6 p.m.
- Nov. 19: 12:30 – 4 p.m.
- Nov. 20: 9 – 11 a.m.
Felton Bible Church
5999 Graham Hill Road, Felton
Hours
- Mon, Nov. 13 & 14 & 16 &17: 1- 4:30 p.m.
- Nov. 15: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Nov. 18: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Nov. 19: 12:30 – 4:30 p.m.
- Nov. 20: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
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For instructions on how to pack the shoebox, see www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/pack-a-shoe-box/
For questions, call Kathy Newman at 831-818-6648 or email [email protected].