One thousand six hundred fifty-five boxes were collected in DeKalb County for Operation Christmas Child. That’s 91 more than was donated last year. DeKalb County Drop Off Team Leader Gill says it’s not too late for people to make a shoebox online. Her husband Darrell Gill, Cliff Smith, and Eric Drennan took the boxes to First Baptist in McMinnville to load into tractor trailers that will go to Samaritan’s Purse in Boone, North Carolina.

OCC collects shoebox gifts with toys, school supplies, and hygiene items to deliver to children in need around the world to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 220 million shoebox gifts to children in more than 170 countries and territories.

Several churches in DeKalb donated to the cause including Calvary Baptist, Faith Baptist, Elizabeth Chapel Baptist, Smithville Cumberland Presbyterian, Alexandria First Baptist Church, Allen’s Chapel, Buckner’s Chapel, Dry Creek Baptist, Indian Creek Baptist, Whorton Springs Baptist, Upper Helton Baptist, Smithville First Baptist, West Main Baptist, Memorial Baptist, and New Hope Baptist, along with several individuals.

Smithville Cumberland Presbyterian donated the most shoeboxes from their drive this year with 316 followed by Indian Creek Baptist with 270 and First Baptist Alexandria with 200.

“I hope to get more churches involved next year,” Gill said. “Each shoebox means a child will learn about Jesus.”

Over 40.5 million children who received shoeboxes participated in a 12-lesson discipleship course, The Greatest Journey. About half that number made decisions for Christ.

People who would still like to participate in Operation Christmas Child may do so online. For more information, go to this link, https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/buildonline.

“I want to thank all who donated their time in volunteering and those who made shoe boxes so that this is possible to reach these children.”