Volunteers across North Central Louisiana are gearing up for National Collection Week, Nov. 17–24, as Operation Christmas Child (OCC) launches another season of giving. The annual project, led by Samaritan’s Purse, invites individuals, families, churches, and community groups to fill shoeboxes with gifts, hygiene items, and school supplies for children in need around the world.
The newly formed North Central Louisiana (NCLA) Area Team will oversee collection efforts across six rural parishes, including drop-off sites at:
First Baptist Church, 301 Pennsylvania Ave., Minden (Jennifer Estes, Drop-Off Leader)
Caney Lake Baptist Church, 10030 LA-4301, Chatham (Donna Ferguson, Drop-Off Leader)
Temple Baptist Church, 1515 S. Service Rd., Ruston (Deborah Gates, Drop-Off Leader)
Residents can find additional drop-off details and hours of operation at samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/drop-off-locations.
Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 220 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in over 170 countries and territories affected by war, poverty, disease, and natural disasters. Each shoebox serves as a tangible expression of love and hope, often accompanied by local church outreach programs sharing the message of faith.
“Children need hope, and they need to know that they are not alone and God loves them,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse.
Packing a shoebox can be a meaningful activity for individuals or families. Participants can follow the simple “How to Pack a Shoebox” guide online and even track their gift’s destination using the ‘Follow
Your Box’ option for a $10 donation toward shipping and supplies.
The NCLA Area Team encourages local residents to join in this global outreach effort. “Every shoebox represents more than just gifts—it represents joy, love, and the reminder that someone cares,” said Brenda Teal, NCLA Area Coordinator.
For more information or volunteer opportunities, contact Brenda Teal at 318-663-7508 or brendateal16@gmail.com.