JACKSONVILLE--This week, businesses, churches and schools around Jacksonville are piling up shoeboxes filled with toys and hygiene items for children around the world.
Operation Christmas Child is a worldwide effort by Samaritan's Purse to reach out to kids in need and let them know they are not forgotten. This year's goal is to send out 8.5 million shoeboxes, with 26,000 of those coming from Jacksonville.
Anyone wanting to participate should determine what age group and gender to purchase for, then buy toys, hygiene items and hard candy to fill a shoebox. Liquids and breakable bottles are not allowed. Then put a photo and a letter in the box so the child knows who sent the box. You can also include an address if you would like to receive a thank you note. Also, include $7 for shipping.
Jacksonville has 13 drop locations, including Kernan Boulevard Baptist Church at 4000 Kernan Blvd. For more information on how to fill a shoebox, locations for drop off or info on the project, visit
http://samaritanpurse.org/occ.
