Local churches seek donations for Operation Christmas Child

From Staff Reports
·1 min read
Marcia Smorada of Franklin Township, center, is the drop-off site coordinator for Operation Christmas Child at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Ellwood City. She gets help packing up boxes to ship from volunteers Kathy Brenner, left, of Ellwood City, and Karen Hazen of North Sewickley Township.

As the Christmas season approaches, local churches are asking families to consider giving back to children in need.

Samaritan's Purse is hosting its annual Operation Christmas Child from Nov. 14-21, collecting shoebox gifts across the United States at 4,500 locations this week. The organization is hoping to collect enough shoeboxes to reach 11 million children this year.

“This season, children around the world need a tangible reminder that there is hope and that God loves them,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse.

Local drop-off locations near Beaver and Lawrence counties include:

  • Calvin Presbyterian Church (615 Crescent Ave., Ellwood City)

  • Pathway Church (239 Braun Road, Chippewa Township)

  • St. Philip's Church (1629 Beaver Grade Road, Moon Township)

Those looking to donate are encouraged to follow the step-by-step guide for packing shoeboxes on the Samaritan's Purse website.

This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Local churches seek donations for Operation Christmas Child