The lowly but versatile shoe box takes on added significance this week as individuals and church groups participate in the popular Operation Christmas Child, a mission project of the Christian relief organization, Samaritan s Purse. Each November, individuals and church groups fill shoe boxes with age-appropriate small gifts and toiletries.
Samaritan s Purse, the North Carolina-based charity headed by Billy Graham s son, Franklin Graham, then distributes them in developing countries around the world. This year, organizers hope to ship 8 million shoe boxes to more than 100 countries. North Trenholm Baptist Church in Columbia is the central collection site for the Midlands. Donors can drop off boxes between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. through Nov. 19 in a container in the church parking lot, said Jan Gillotte, Midlands coordinator.
Last year we collected around 31,000 shoe boxes, Gillotte said. In Lexington County, Lexington Baptist Church will receive boxes in the family life center during the week and then take them to North Trenholm, Deborah Hayes, church communications spokeswoman, said. Smaller relay centers are located in Allendale, Blythewood, Irmo, Newberry and Saluda. Reach Click at (803) 771-8386.