This month, Grace Foursquare Church in Ely will serve as a collection site for Operation Christmas Child—the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind. The annual Samaritan’s Purse project is a favorite of many Ely residents, families, churches and groups who spread joy to millions of children around the world by filling shoeboxes with a “Wow” item—like a doll or soccer ball—other fun toys, school supplies, hygiene items and notes of encouragement.
“Through the simple act of filling a shoebox, someone in Ely can make a tangible difference in the life of a child halfway around the world. Anyone can participate and bring joy to a child facing difficult circumstances,” said Ely volunteer Sue Winder, who has participated in Operation Christmas Child for several years.
At Grace Foursquare Church during National Collection Week, Nov. 16 – 23, anyone can drop off a gift-filled shoebox to send to a child overseas. Ely residents hope to contribute more than 110 shoebox gifts to the 2015 global goal of reaching 11 million children in need.
Grace Foursquare Church
1301 Avenue E
Ely, NV 89301
775-289-4111
Operating Hours:
Monday, Nov. 16th thru Monday, Nov. 23rd – 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief and evangelism organization headed by Franklin Graham. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has delivered gift-filled shoeboxes to more than 124 million children in more than 150 countries and territories. For many of these children, a gift-filled shoebox is the first gift they have ever received.
For more information about how to participate in Operation Christmas Child call (775) 289-4111. With a computer or mobile device, anyone can conveniently pack a personalized Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift on the Samaritan’s Purse website. Go to samaritanspurse.org/occ to select toys and gift items, write a note of encouragement and “pack” them in a shoebox. These gifts of hope will go to children in some of the hardest-to-reach countries.
Using special tracking technology, participants can follow their box to discover where in the world their gift is delivered by using the donation form found at samaritanspurse.org/occ.