Volunteers bring donated boxes in on November 2016 at Christ United Methodist Church for Operation Christmas Child. This year’s collection week will be Nov. 13-20.

Operation Christmas Child’s national collection week returns through Nov. 20.

Since 1993, the project of Samaritan’s Purse, a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization that provides spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world, and local churches has collected and delivered more than 209 million shoeboxes to children in need in more than 170 countries and territories.

Shoeboxes can be filled with toys, personal care items and schools supplies, as well as a $10 donation to help with shipping and other costs.

Debbie Young, area coordinator for Samaritan’s Purse/Operation Christmas Child, Bowling Green Area Team, said shoeboxes will be accepted in the BRADD region and can be dropped off at several locations, including Christ Church on Cave Mill Road and First Baptist Church in Bowling Green.

Other drop-off locations are in Morgantown, Russellville, Franklin, Scottsville, Gamaliel and Glasgow.

“These boxes will go to needy children overseas,” Young said. “Several are in Asia, South America and Mexico, and for many, it’s the first gift they have received in their lifetime. It’s also an opportunity for them to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

A national leadership team of volunteers in foreign countries determines who gets the shoebox gifts in their area.

“There is only one shoebox allowed per child,” Young said. “So it’s one child, one shoebox, one lifetime.”

Young said that last year, volunteers in the BRADD region collected around 17,700 shoeboxes. This year’s goal is 20,024 shoeboxes.

“It’s a good opportunity for everyone to get in the Christmas spirit and pack a shoebox filled with love for a child overseas,” she said. “The most important thing is to spread God’s love to the children, and the shoebox is a tangible expression of God’s love to hold in their hand. It also lets them know that someone in the U.S. cared enough to hand them a shoebox.”

Young said that after the child receives the shoebox, they can also participate in a 12-week discipleship class called “The Greatest Journey.”

For more information on how to pack a shoebox, to find the nearest drop-off locations and the hours of operation or to volunteer, visit samaritanspurse.org. You can also contact Young at (270) 526-1045 or at debragyoung@bellsouth.net.