Many churches and other organizations are gathering up shoeboxes filled with small gifts of hope to be distributed to children in need this Christmas, and Coggin Avenue Baptist Church has joined in the effort.

Organizers state that these collections will be held November 12-19 so the shoeboxes can be sent early enough to reach many overseas destinations by Christmas.

According to Operation Christmas Child organizers, every box is important and the program depends on individuals filling these boxes to help bring these gifts to many children who otherwise will have no gifts during Christmas.  Simply fill your boxes with a small toy, toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, wash cloth, soap, hair brush, etc., no liquids), sunglasses, shirt, socks, hard candy, and/or school supplies.

According to Operation Christmas Child’s website, children in many countries cannot go to school if they don’t have supplies; therefore even the simplest of supplies such as pencils, pens or a notebook can be instrumental in the future of a child.  Other necessities such as toothbrushes, soap and hairbrushes are important as well because in some countries, a child may have nothing to call their own, even to the extent of sharing a toothbrush with family members if one is available.

The local Operation Christmas Child collection center is the Coggin Avenue Baptist Church Connection Center at 1715 Coggin Avenue, which will be open from November 12th-19th at the following times:

Monday, Nov 12th – 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Tuesday, Nov 13th thru Thursday, Nov 15th – 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Friday, Nov 16th – 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Saturday, Nov 17th – 10:00 am to 12:00 Noon

Sunday, Nov18 – 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Monday, Nov 19 – 9:30 am to 11:00 am

If the above times are not convenient, please call the main church office at 325-646-1506 to make arrangements to drop off shoeboxes.

Pictured above are Lithuanian children as they received their Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts in a previous year.  Photo by Samaritan’s Purse.org