Right now, hundreds of Effingham kids, families, businesses and churches are joining thousands of volunteers across America to make a difference in the lives of 8 million hurting children this Christmas.  

 

Kids and families are wrapping and packing empty shoe boxes with simple items most people take for granted, including toothpaste, toys and school supplies.  During National Collection Week, Nov. 15-21, they will drop off their shoe box gifts at the Goshen United Methodist Church relay site.

 

Operation Christmas Child will then use whatever means necessary — sea containers, trucks, trains, airplanes, helicopters, boats, elephants — to

hand-deliver the gifts to hurting children in more than 100 countries.

 

Operation Christmas Child is an excellent way for people in this area to show their love by giving to children who are less fortunate.  Goshen collected over 2,000 shoe box gifts last year, which was more than ever before, and they hope to eclipse that this year.

 

National Collection Week is Nov. 15-21. Goshen UMC is located at 107 Goshen Road, at Highway 21. The relay center will operate Monday-Friday from 4-7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-1 p.m., and Sunday 4-7 p.m. For more information on how to participate in Operation Christmas Child, visit www.samaritanspurse.org.