Litchfield Park collects holiday gifts for children around the world

Operation Christmas Child, a project of the Christian humanitarian organization Samaritan’s Purse, launched its annual collection week Monday as nearly 5,000 drop-off sites opened nationwide.

Residents across Arizona can donate shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies and personal care items through Nov. 24. The shoeboxes are distributed to children in need around the world.

The project, which began in 1993, has collected more than 232 million shoeboxes for children in over 170 countries and territories, according to the organization. Samaritan’s Purse says the effort partners with local churches internationally to deliver the gifts and share religious messages with recipients.

Participants can find nearby drop-off sites and operating hours through an online locator searchable by city or ZIP code. An option to pack a “virtual shoebox” is also available through the organization’s website, allowing donors to select items and include a photo or message.

Locally, Turning Leaf Community Church of the Nazarene in Litchfield Park is serving as a drop-off location at 5800 N. Litchfield Road. Hours are:

• Mon., Nov. 17: 10 a.m.–noon
• Tue., Nov. 18: 10 a.m.–noon
• Wed., Nov. 19: 8–10 a.m.
• Thu., Nov. 20: 5–7 p.m.
• Fri., Nov. 21: 5–7 p.m.
• Sat., Nov. 22: 10 a.m.–noon
• Sun., Nov. 23: 1–3 p.m.
• Mon., Nov. 24: 8–10 a.m.

More information is available at samaritanspurse.org.