Johns Creek, Alpharetta Residents Participate in Operation Christmas Child

Staff Report

Back-to-school shopping is well underway and while many are taking advantage of savings, Alpharetta and Johns Creek residents are stocking up on school items to help children in need around the world.

Adults and children alike are gathering school supplies, children’s toys and hygiene items to once again take part in Operation Christmas Child. In celebration of its 20th anniversary, the international non-profit will seek to collect 9.8 million gift-filled shoeboxes worldwide for less-fortunate children, many of whom have never before received a gift.

“Back to school sales are a great time to purchase items for Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes, “ said 17-year old Bethany Sides. “This year, my school and I are looking forward to seeing how many boxes we can fill. Right now, we are on track to pack more than 600 boxes.”

A project of Samaritan’s Purse, Operation Christmas Child allows individuals to fill shoeboxes with items such as clothing, pencils, crayons, paper, toys and hygiene items for the child who will receive the box. Through these simple gifts, more than 100 million shoeboxes have been delivered to more than 100 countries around the globe with a message of hope through Jesus Christ.

The collecting of items to prepare the gift-filled shoeboxes will lead up to National Collection Week Nov. 17-24 when shoeboxes will be gathered at local drop-off locations before beginning their journey that will end in the arms of a child who can experience Christmas for the first time.

This year Alpharetta First Baptist Church, Johns Creek First Baptist Church, Mount Pisgah United Methodist Church in Johns Creek and Atlanta Street Baptist Church in Roswell will all serve as community drop-off locations.

To find out more about how to take part and learn how you can track what countries your shoeboxes were sent to, visit www.samaritanspurse.org.

(Photo: 17-year old Bethany Sides)