Local volunteers Join Samaritan’s Purse to collect 2,450 shoebox gifts for children in poverty overseas

Published 4:02 pm Monday, November 2, 2015

For the Reporter

Eastridge Baptist Church in Kent will serve as a collection site for Operation Christmas Child, one of the world’s largest Christmas projects of its kind.

The annual Samaritan’s Purse project is a favorite of many Kent residents, families, churches and groups who spread joy to millions of children around the world by filling shoeboxes with fun toys, school supplies, hygiene items and notes of encouragement.

“Through the simple act of filling a shoebox, someone in Kent can make a tangible difference in the life of a child halfway around the world,” said Kent volunteer coordinator Pam Stevens. “Anyone can participate and bring joy to a child facing difficult circumstances.”

At Eastridge Baptist Church, 12520 SE 240th St., during National Collection Week, Nov. 16-23, anyone can drop off a gift-filled shoebox to send to a child overseas. Kent residents hope to contribute 2,450 shoebox gifts to the 2015 global goal of reaching 11 million children in need.

Learn more at www.samaritanspurse.org.

Drop-off times:

Monday, Nov. 16: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 17: 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 18: 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 19: 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 20: 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 21: 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Sunday, Nov. 22: 1:30 p.m.-4 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 23: 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m.