Operation Christmas Child drop-off locations to open across Pennsylvania in November
Churches, community groups, and families across Southwestern Pennsylvania are preparing to collect gift-filled shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child during National Collection Week, Nov. 16-23.
Nearly 5,000 drop-off locations, including several curbside and indoor sites will open nationwide during the annual collection period, giving individuals, families and groups an opportunity to contribute shoebox gifts for children in need.
Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies, and hygiene products to children around the world experiencing war, poverty, disease, and natural disasters. The project aims to reach 12.8 million children in 2026.
The project is led by Samaritan’s Purse.
“Shoebox gifts may seem simple, but they have an eternal impact. Each box is an opportunity to tell a boy or girl in need about the true meaning of Christmas,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse. “I’ve delivered these boxes around the world, and I never get tired of seeing the joy that they bring — even in the midst of disasters, war, and poverty.”
People looking to drop off their packed boxes or make a physical donation can visit dedicated local hubs. Regionally, churches and community buildings throughout Washington, Greene, and Fayette counties will serves as official collection points.
Those interested in participating can find step-by-step packing instructions on the Operation Christmas Child website’s How to Pack a Shoebox webpage. Participants also can contribute $10 per shoebox gift online through the “Follow Your Box” program to receive a tracking label and discover where their gift is sent.
Because exact drop-off hours and specific curbside instructions vary by church, donors are encouraged to plug in their specific city or ZIP code on the official Samaritan’s Purse Drop-Off Locator at samaritanspurse.org to find the closest drop-off location.
Since its launch in 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 244 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 175 countries and territories. The project continues to work with local churches around the world to share messages of faith and hope with children in need.
Organizers emphasize that “wow items” — such as a soccer ball with a pump, a doll, or a plush stuffed animal — make a good centerpiece for each box. Donors can fill the remaining space with personal care items like washcloths, toothbrushes, and school essentials.
Due to strict customs regulations and shipping constraints, certain items, including candy, food, liquids, and war-related toys such as toy guns or military figures, are prohibited.
Among drop-off sites in Washington County are South Franklin Community Building in South Franklin Township, the Bible Chapel in McMurray, McDonald Presbyterian Church – Calvary Center in McDonald, and Crossroads Ministries in Finleyville. In Greene County, First Baptist Church in Waynesburg is a drop-off site, and in Fayette County, drop-offs can be made at Calvary Baptist Church in Uniontown.