Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Samaritan’s Purse project Operation Christmas Child helps millions of children in need across the globe with a simple gift, a shoebox filled with fun toys, school supplies, and hygiene products. For more than 25 years, San Diego residents have been a part of the program., and this year hopes to collect more than 23,000 shoeboxes locally, with a global goal of reaching 11 million children. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 209 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories. “Children around the world need to know that God loves them and there is hope,” said Franklin Graham., president of Samaritan’s Purse in a statement. “A simple shoebox gift opens the door to share about the true hope that can only be found in Jesus Christ.” Shoeboxes are needed for children ages 2-14 and should include a “Wow” item, such as a toy, stuffed animal, musical instruments, and other large toys. Personal items, clothing and accessories, crafts and activities, and small toys and figures for the age group. Participants are encouraged to also send a personal note and photo. Operation Christmas Child also has an Amazon store front with a list of recommended items. (https://bit.ly/3s53BUx) Find a step-by-step guide on How to Pack a Shoebox at https://bit.ly/406mpiG’ Shoeboxes should be completed in time for National Collection Week, Nov. 13-20. The following locations are accepting shoeboxes during collection week. FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN CHURCH, 365 W BRADLEY AVE. IN EL CAJON Mon, Nov. 13: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tue, Nov. 14: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Wed, Nov. 15: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Thu, Nov. 16: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Fri, Nov. 17: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sat, Nov. 18: 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. Sun, Nov. 19: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Mon, Nov. 20: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. SKYLINE CHURCH, 11330 CAMPO ROAD IN LA MESA Mon, Nov. 13: 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Tue, Nov. 14: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Wed, Nov. 15: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Thu, Nov. 16: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Fri, Nov. 17: 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. Sat, Nov. 18: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Sun, Nov. 19: 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Mon, Nov. 20: 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF LEMON GROVE, 2910 MAIN STREET IN LEMON GROVE Mon, Nov. 13: 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. Tue, Nov. 14: 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. Wed, Nov. 15: 5 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Thu, Nov. 16: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Fri, Nov. 17: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Sat, Nov. 18: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Sun, Nov. 19: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Mon, Nov. 20: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. BETHEL CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY, 1929 ARNOLD WAY, IN ALPINE Mon, Nov. 13: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. Tue, Nov. 14: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. Wed, Nov. 15: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Thu, Nov. 16: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. Fri, Nov. 17: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. Sat, Nov. 18: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sun, Nov. 19: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Mon, Nov. 20: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. SWEETWATER COMMUNITY CHURCH, 5305 SWEETWATER ROAD IN BONITA Mon, Nov. 13: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Tue, Nov. 14: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Wed, Nov. 15: 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Thu, Nov. 16: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Fri, Nov. 17: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Sat, Nov. 18: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sun, Nov. 19: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Mon, Nov. 20: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.