2017 Operation Christmas Child Effort Begins

Operation Christmas Child is beginning for 2017.

A project of the international relief organization, Samaritan's Purse, Operation Christmas Child's mission is to provide local partners around the world with shoebox gifts filled with small toys, hygiene items and school supplies as a means of reaching out to children in their own communities with the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Cornerstone Christian Church at 3600 South Banker in Effingham will continue to be a Central Drop-Off location under the direction of Central Drop-Off new team leader Sandy Wilson.

There are a couple of changes when packing a shoebox for 2017: Candy and toothpaste can no longer be included in a shoebox, and this year Operation Christmas Child is asking for a $9 donation per shoebox to help cover shipping and other ministry expenses.

The Central Drop-Off will accept shoeboxes on the following schedule:

Monday, November 13--9 to 11am

Tuesday, November 14--9 to 11am

Wednesday, November 15--9 to 11am

Thursday, November 16--5:30 to 7:30pm

Friday, November 17--5:30 to 7:30pm

Saturday, November 18--9 to 11am

Sunday, November 19--2 to 5pm

Monday, November 20--9 to 11am

Central Drop-Off Team Leader Sandy Wilson may be reached at 217-821-4762.