Volunteers Stuff Holiday Boxes for Needy Children
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COLUMBIA - Columbians are joining millions of people across the country and around the world to bring gifts to 9.8 million impoverished children in 100 countries.
They are working to fill empty shoe boxes with toys, school supplies and hygiene items.
There are three locations in Columbia participating in this year's Operation Christmas Child's national collection.
Those locations include Signature Foods Warehouse, Parkade Baptist Church and the Crossing Church.
The collection event began November 18 and will continue through November 25.
All of the gifts are placed in shoe boxes, processed, prepared and delivered to children in various countries.
This year Columbia residents hope to contribute 2,900 gifts to the global collection.
Pastor Chris Cook says this is a great charity to be a part of.
"It really is something good, it helps grow our heart as we give and help others. And our goal is to help share the love of God overseas to those who don't have a lot," Cook said.
The program has been running since 1993 and has delivered more than 100 million shoe box gifts to needy children.
Anyone can participate in Operation Christmas Child. If you're interested in donating a box, here are the location and drop off times for the Columbia locations:
Signature Foods Warehouse
1780 Lindberg Drive
Columbia, MO 65201
Collection hours:
Thursday and Friday 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sunday 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Parkade Baptist Church
2102 N Garth Avenue
Columbia, MO 655202
Collection hours:
Thursday and Friday 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sunday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Monday 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Crossing Church
3615 Southland Drive
Columbia, MO 65203
Collection hours:
Thursday 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Friday 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Sunday 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
