This month, sites in the Owego area will be among 5,000 U.S. drop-off locations collecting shoebox gifts for children overseas during Operation Christmas Child’s National Collection Week, Nov. 12-19.<\/p>\n
Owego families, churches and groups are busy transforming empty shoeboxes into fun gifts filled with toys, school supplies and hygiene items. The Samaritan’s Purse project partners with local churches across the globe to deliver these tangible expressions of God’s love to children affected by war, disease, disaster, poverty and famine. For many of these children, it will be the first gift they have ever received.<\/p>\n
This year, Owego-area residents hope to collect more than 11,480 gifts to contribute to the 2018 global goal of reaching 11 million children.<\/p>\n
“We are honored to be linking arms with our community to help children around the world experience the true meaning of Christmas,” said Regional Director Cecil Pollydore, “These simple gifts show God’s love to children facing difficult circumstances.”<\/p>\n
In Owego, boxes can be dropped off at Lakeview Chapel, located at 185 Day Hollow Rd. in Owego, on Nov. 12, 14, 15, and 15 from 3 to 5 p.m., on Nov. 16 from 3 to 6 p.m., on Nov. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Nov. 18 from noon to 2 p.m., and on Nov. 19 from 8 to 10 a.m.<\/p>\n