It’s that time of the year again when we get to spread some Christmas cheer through Operation Christmas Child! From November 18th to 25th, volunteers all over the country are gearing up to collect shoebox gifts filled with goodies for kids in need, including volunteers right here in the Southern Tier.

Since ’93, Operation Christmas Child has been on a mission to bring smiles to children facing tough times due to war, poverty, and more. They’ve been delivering these shoebox surprises packed with love, and this year they’re aiming to reach a whopping 12 million children by 2024. That’s a whole lot of happiness to go around!

Packing these shoeboxes isn’t just for the pros – it’s open to everyone! Families, friends, or even solo packers can join in on the fun. Check out How to Pack a Shoebox for a step-by-step guide on creating the perfect gift. Plus, for those who want to track their special deliveries, a $10 donation per box through “Follow Your Box” will get you a tracking label to see where your gift ends up.

Franklin Graham, the man at Samaritan’s Purse, emphasizes the power of these gifts in bringing hope and love to kids who really need it. He’s all about spreading the message of God’s love through these thoughtful presents, and he’s calling on all of us to join in!

If you’re ready to be part of the gift-giving goodness, find your nearest drop-off location by checking out the online lookup tool. Just put in your ZIP code, and you’ll get the scoop on where to bring your shoebox gifts. If you’re in Johnson City, NY or any of the other listed locations, reach out to the churches mentioned to get more details on when and where you can drop off your goodies.

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Let’s make this holiday season special by sharing joy and love with kids all around the world. Together, we can make a difference, one shoebox at a time!

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