Area churches and organizations will once again assemble gift-filled shoeboxes to send to children of all ages around the world on behalf of Operation Christmas Child.
In 2021, Operation Christmas Child hopes to collect enough shoebox gifts to reach another 9.7 million children in countries like Peru, the Philippines, Rwanda and Ukraine – more than 170 countries in all. More than 9.1 million shoebox gifts were collected worldwide in 2020, with more than 7.8 million collected in the U.S. Items include toys and other age-appropriate gifts. The Richmond area Operation Christmas Child organization set a goal of 53,500 shoebox gifts for 2021. In addition to millions of shoebox packers, a network of more than 15,000 volunteers (9,000 U.S.; 6,000 worldwide) serve year-round to carry out the project.
During National Collection Week (Nov. 15 – 22, 2021), Operation Christmas Child will collect the gift-filled shoeboxes at more than 4,000 drop-off locations in all fifty states and Puerto Rico.
Locally, filled shoebox gifts may be dropped off at Crestwood Church, 1200 Charter Colony Parkway, Midlothian, VA 23114 or you may go to SamaritansPurse.org for a complete list of locations. NOTE: All drop-off locations will safety precautions in place to ensure the safety of volunteers and individuals who are dropping off boxes. Curbside drop-off will be offered again this year.
If you prefer contactless delivery of boxes, you may build custom shoeboxes online for a donation of $25 per box. Also, if you want to collect boxes on behalf of a group, Operation Christmas Child is offering the option of building a “Goal Page” for your organization. Leaders follow the steps and will receive a unique link to invite participants personally.
To learn more about these contactless options, go here.
Donate Items for Shoeboxes
Hobby Lobby Stores in Richmond
Saturday, October 16
On Saturday, October 16, 2021, area Hobby Lobby stores will host a “Stuff the Box” event to benefit Operation Christmas Child. Volunteers will collect donated items for the shoeboxes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The donated toys and gift items for kids will be distributed to local churches who have committed to assembling shoeboxes.
- Richmond Hobby Lobby Locations
- 14645 Hancock Village, Chesterfield
- 11280 West Broad St., Glen Allen
- 7324 Bell Creek, Mechanicsville
- 12701 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Chester (Bermuda Square)
