The start of Operation Christmas Child

Marion ,Iowa – Operation Christmas Child is now accepting donations from Iowans for a period of one week. People are asked to contribute a shoe box full of toys to underprivileged children worldwide through an annual fundraiser.

Anything a youngster would require, such as toys, toiletries, or school supplies, can be placed within these shoe boxes. Donations are accepted from Monday, November 18 through Monday, November 25.

The organization hopes to raise 12 million dollars nationwide. The target is 12,000 here in the Hawkeye area of Iowa.

Operation Christmas Child’s local organizer, Amy Speed, advises people to choose their gifts carefully.

“Teaching my kids that, ‘Hey, I want you to pick out things that you would love to get yourself and we’re going to send them to a child that you have never met and probably, most likely, will never meet,’ was a really great lesson,” Speed told the audience. “This project has a lot of positive aspects because you are significantly improving a child’s life.”

The organization provides gifts to individuals in 170 nations and territories every year. To assist with the expense of shipping, customers are urged to leave $10 in their box.

The primary venue for donations and drop-offs for the “Hawkeye Section” will be the Antioch Christian Church in Marion. The Samaritan’s Purse website allows users to locate the closest donation station by entering their Zip Code. Donations can also be made quickly online by filling out a shoebox.