It's Operation Christmas Child Collection Week: Nov. 16-23!

A shoe box filled with simple items can make all the difference for a child in need. During the Operation Christmas Child National Collection Week, sites across the U.S.--including Rejoice Lutheran Church in Geneva--are welcoming shoe boxes packed with small gifts to share with needy kids in countries around the world.

Packing a box is easy. Fill a box with a variety of items, including: toys, such as cars, yo-yos and playing cards; school supplies; and hygiene items, such as a comb and toothbrush/toothpaste. Download a label indicating the age group and gender of the child to receive your box (and donate $7 to cover shipping, if you wish) from the Samaritan’s Purse website http://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/pack-a-shoe-box/. The site also offers the option of learning in which country your recipient lives.

Rejoice Lutheran is collecting boxes Nov. 16-23. Look up drop-off times and read more about packing a shoe box at: http://rejoiceinthemission.org/operation-christmas-child/.

Rejoice is located at 0N377 N. Mill Creek Drive in southwest Geneva. Call 630-262-0596 or visit http://rejoiceinthemission.org/finding-us/.