Local Drop-Off Locations Opening Soon
Volunteers are preparing to collect Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts during National Collection Week, November 16 through 23, 2026.
Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has been collecting and delivering gift-filled shoeboxes to children, including many who are suffering from war, poverty, disease, and disaster. Operation Christmas Child hopes to reach 12.8 million children in 2026.
Shoebox packing is fun for individuals, families, and groups. The project partners with local churches across the globe to deliver these tangible expressions of God’s love to children in need. In addition to packing their own shoeboxes (see detailed instructions at https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/pack-a-shoe-box/), participants can opt to donate $10 per shoebox gift online through “Follow Your Box” and receive a tracking label to discover its destination.
“Shoebox gifts may seem simple, but they have an eternal impact. Each box is an opportunity to tell a boy or girl in need about the true meaning of Christmas,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse. “I’ve delivered these boxes around the world, and I never get tired of seeing the joy that they bring—even in the midst of disasters, war, and poverty.”
Those wishing to participate can find the nearest drop-off location and hours of operation at https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/drop-off-locations/. The online lookup tool is searchable by city or ZIP code. Signs at each location will indicate the designated drop-off area. Local participating churches include:
- Bergen Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 38 South Lake Avenue, Bergen
- Brockport Free Methodist Church, 6787 4th Section Road, Brockport
- Calvary Chapel Westside, 2407 South Union Street, Spencerport
- Lakeshore Community Church, 3651 Latta Road, Rochester
- Lutheran Church of Our Savior, 2415 Chili Avenue, Rochester
Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 244 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 175 countries and territories. Learn more at https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/.
Provided information and photo
Photo: Cambodian girls smile at the sight of their Operation Christmas Child shoebox, which for many children is their first gift ever.
