Children in need worldwide are being blessed this holiday season through the Samaritan’s Purse project, Operation Christmas Child. Individuals, families, and groups can pack shoebox gifts filled with fun toys, school supplies, and personal care items and drop them off now during National Collection Week, Nov. 18 – 25. More than 4,700 drop-off locations are open nationwide, including Crossroads Church on Oak Drive in Plymouth.
Operation Christmas Child has been collecting and delivering shoebox gifts to children worldwide for more than three decades. In 2024, Operation Christmas Child hopes to collect enough shoeboxes to reach another 12 million children. The project of Samaritan’s Purse partners with local churches across the globe to deliver these tangible expressions of God’s love to children in need. Find a step-by-step guide on the How to Pack a Shoebox webpage.
Participants can use the online lookup tool to find the nearest drop-off location and operation hours as they plan to drop off their shoebox gifts. It is searchable by city or ZIP code. Signs at each location will identify the drop-off. In Marshall County, shoe boxes can be dropped off at Crossroads Church at 1650 North Oak Drive on Thursday from 2 to 5, Friday from 6 to 9, Saturday from 9 to 12, and Sunday from 1 to 4 or during one of the morning services. Drive around to the back side of the church and enter through the front doors.
Those who prefer the convenience of online shopping can browse samaritanspurse.org/
Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered over 220 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories.

Parke Heritage looks to bring state title home
Gov. Braun praises IURC for defense of ratepayers, expresses disappointment with utilities’ defense of high rates
Parke Heritage dance team in state competition
Parke Heritage earns berth in Class 2A state championship game
Size, experience leads Parke Heritage to semistate semifinal win over Triton Central
Indiana Corn Marketing Council seeks farmers to serve on its board of directors
ICAC looks to grow in search for online predators
Nominations being accepted for 2026 John Arnold Award for Rural Preservation
New track chairs make Indiana a national leader in accessibility at state parks
Special Olympics Indiana hosting 54th annual state basketball tournament
Thrive info session planned for March 26
BMV warns of scam, more deceptive messages
King looks to bring experience to Parke County Council
Colorado man arrested on Indiana resident for child solicitation, other charge
Zumwalt looks to carry Republican nod for Vermillion County Commissioner District 2
Brazil man arrested on rape, other charges
