How Abilene’s Shoebox Gifts Are Changing Lives Around the World

"Make a Child's Christmas: Abilene's Operation Christmas Child Brings Hope Worldwide"

What is Operation Christmas Child?

Operation Christmas Child is more than just a project; it’s a heartfelt mission to spread hope to children across the globe. Initially, I thought it was a local holiday pageant or charity drive, but my friend Hollye Jaklewicz, the Media Coordinator for Abilene’s Operation Christmas Child, opened my eyes to its true purpose and impact.

A Mission of Hope by Samaritan's Purse

Spearheaded by Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian humanitarian organization, Operation Christmas Child invites people of all ages to fill a shoebox with toys, school supplies, and essentials. These shoeboxes travel from our hands in West Texas to children across over 170 countries, many of whom have never received a gift before. This act of generosity not only provides vital supplies but also teaches our own children the value of compassion and giving to those less fortunate.

Teaching Compassion and Giving

For West Texas families, it’s a meaningful way to come together, with children excited to pick out items for others their age, knowing that what they contribute will make a difference. As Abilene-area volunteer Naomi Wood, who has coordinated the effort here for eight years, says, “It’s amazing to think that something we pack right here can reach across the world and bring hope and joy to a child.”

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Abilene’s Commitment to the Cause

In 2024, the goal is higher than ever. Abilene hopes to contribute at least 6,000 shoeboxes to Samaritan’s Purse’s global target of 12 million. Last year, Abilene packed over 5,500 boxes, helping to reach a worldwide total of more than 220 million since the program began in 1993.

How to Participate in Operation Christmas Child in 2024

National Collection Week: November 18-25
During this week, drop-off sites across Abilene will collect filled shoeboxes. If you’re unable to visit a drop-off site, you can build a virtual box online for $25, including the option to add a personal note and photo. Each virtual or physical box can also be tracked for a $10 donation, so you can see where your gift makes its journey.

Local Drop-Off Locations in Abilene:

• First Baptist Church: 1333 N. Third St.
• Wylie Methodist Church: 3430 Antilley Road
• Pioneer Drive Baptist Church: 701 S. Pioneer Drive
• Additional Sites in Sweetwater, Hamlin, Cisco, and Ballinger

Since its inception, Operation Christmas Child has delivered not just gifts but the message of hope and love, in alignment with the mission of Samaritan’s Purse to help those in need worldwide. To learn more or get started, visit samaritanspurse.org/occ or email Abilene’s team at abileneareaocc@gmail.com.

So, this November, let’s come together once again as big-hearted West Texans to make a difference, one shoebox at a time. By doing so, we’re sending a message of compassion from West Texas to the world.