BY LEANN DILBECK –
This month, more than 4,000 locations around the country will serve as collection sites for Operation Christmas Child—the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind. Two of those locations are located right here in Polk County – Grace Bible Church in Mena and the Cove First Baptist Church. The annual Samaritan’s Purse project is a favorite of many families, churches and groups who spread joy to millions of children around the world by filling shoeboxes with a “Wow” item—like a doll or soccer ball—other fun toys, school supplies, hygiene items and notes of encouragement.
“Through the simple act of filling a shoebox, someone can make a tangible difference in the life of a child halfway around the world. Anyone can participate and bring joy to a child facing difficult circumstances. This week is National Collection Week, and anyone can drop off a gift-filled shoebox to send to a child overseas.
Donations can be dropped off this week from 9 a.m. until noon at Grace Bible Church in Mena located on Hwy 71 North or at the Cove First Baptist Church at 114 Middle Street in Cove.
Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief and evangelism organization headed by Franklin Graham.
Using special tracking technology, participants can follow their box to discover where in the world their gift is delivered by using the donation form found at samaritanspurse.org/occ.
About Author
Jeri Pearson
Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.
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