HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A simple shoebox filled with gifts can make a lasting difference in the life of a child halfway around the world.
Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan's Purse, is once again collecting gift-filled shoeboxes to distribute to children in need around the world.
Donita Miller, who helps coordinate the local effort, said the program has been operating since 1993 and has reached children in more than 170 countries and territories. Shoebox gifts are now distributed in more than 100 countries.
The Hutchinson and Wichita areas collected more than 32,000 shoeboxes last year, demonstrating the strong support for the program throughout south-central Kansas.
Local drop-off locations in Hutchinson include First Southern Baptist Church and First Baptist Church on Main Street. Additional collection areas include McPherson, Newton and Great Bend.
Once collected, the shoeboxes are transported to a processing center in Denver, where volunteers inspect each box to ensure it meets program guidelines. Items such as liquids and other prohibited materials are removed before the boxes are prepared for international shipment.
The journey from the processing center to a child can be extensive. Depending on the destination, shoeboxes may reach remote communities by dog sled, camel, elephant or canoe.
Those participating are asked to pack a medium-sized shoebox for either a boy or a girl in one of three age groups: 2 to 4, 5 to 9, or 10 to 14.
Suggested gifts include school supplies, hygiene and personal-care items, and small toys. Organizers encourage donors to fill the boxes with a variety of useful and fun items while making sure no liquids are included.
Operation Christmas Child provides an opportunity for individuals, families, churches and community groups to participate in an international outreach effort through a simple act of generosity.
Additional information about the program, packing instructions and collection opportunities is available through Samaritan's Purse at samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child.