Operation Christmas Child donation centers accepting donations across Beaver Valley

Garret Roberts, Beaver County Times
·1 min read
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As the ministry celebrates its 30th year of giving, Operation Christmas Child is again collecting stuffed shoeboxes for those less fortunate.

Samaritan's Purse is holding its annual shoebox gift collection event this week, with several churches across Beaver County serving as donation centers. Each year, the Christian organization provides boxes packed with toys, school supplies and personal care items to children in need across the globe.

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.
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.

According to program organizers, anyone can pack one of these shoeboxes by following their online tutorials. In addition to packing individual boxes, residents seeking to donate to the program can also construct a box using the Operation Christmas Child website.

Locations for box drop-offs this year include:

  • Aliquippa - New Bethlehem Presbyterian Church (183 Bethlehem Church Road)

  • Beaver Falls - Pathways Church (239 Braun Road)

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

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

This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Operation Christmas Child donation centers open around Beaver County