Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has delivered simple shoebox gifts to more than 198 million children in over 170 countries and territories.

For some of the children who receive a shoebox, it may be the only present they ever receive, according to the group. Each shoebox contains “The Greatest Gift” booklet which is written in over 80 languages describing the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. In addition to the booklet, donors pack each box with medium to large "wow" item such as a soccer ball with pump or stuffed animal, then fill with other fun toys, hygiene items and school supplies.

After receiving their shoebox gift and booklet, each child is offered a 12-week discipleship program called The Greatest Journey. Since 2009, when the program started, almost 27 million children have participated in that study.

There are nearly 5,000 drop-off locations in the United States collecting shoeboxes from Nov. 14 to 21 during National Collection Week. In Butler and Armstrong counties, there are seven drop-off sites.

In 2021, boxes collected in the Butler-Armstrong area were 10,816; the Mid-Atlantic North Region, which includes Pennsylvania and New Jersey, 610,234; in the U.S., 9,127,591; and worldwide, 10,505,155.

Curbside service will be available at all collection sites this year. There also is the choice to get on the Samaritan’s Purse website, samaritanspurse.org/occ, to learn more about the program or to pack a shoebox online for $25 which includes the $10 shipping and distribution costs.

Those are interested assisting with Operation Christmas Child, contact John or Jane Woitas, area coordinators for Butler and Armstrong counties, at 724-352-9005.

Community Alliance Church, 800 Mercer Road

5 to 8 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday

2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday

9 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Saturday

1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 20

9 a.m. to noon Nov. 21

Zion United Methodist Church, 438 Bear Creek Road, Sarver

9 to 11 a.m. Monday, Friday

6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

10 a.m. to noon Saturday

12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 20

8 to 10 a.m. Nov. 21

Chicora Alliance Church, 310 E. Slippery Rock St., Chicora

5 to 7 p.m. Monday

3 to p.m. Tuesday

10 a.m. to noon Wednesday

4 to 6 p.m. Thursday

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday

9 to 11 a.m. Saturday

4 to 6 p.m. Nov. 20

9 to 11 a.m. Nov. 21

Advance Community Church, 226 Crowe Ave., Mars

9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday

3;30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday

Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday

12:30 to 3 p.m. Nov. 20

9 to 11 a.m. Nov. 21

Apollo Free Methodist Church, 1027 State Route 56, Apollo

9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesday

Noon to 2 p.m. Sunday

7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Nov. 21

Walkchalk Salem Baptist Church

1006 Butler Road, Kittanning

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday

9 a.m. to noon and 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday

9 a.m. to noon Friday

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday

Noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 20

7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Nov. 21

Friendship Presbyterian Church

Community Center, 886 New Castle Road, Slippery Rock

6 to 8 p.m. Monday

1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday

5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday

9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday and Saturday

9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Nov. 21.