As Thanksgiving approaches, many people are getting into the holiday spirit. For some, this includes helping others. Since 1993, Samaritan's Purse has partnered with local church worldwide to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For the past 28 years, Samaritan Purse has aimed to accomplish this goal by giving more than 188 million children in over 170 countries and territories an Operation Christmas Child (OCC) shoebox. the shoeboxes are filled with gifts of toys and hygiene items.

Located at 1199 Valley Road, Quarryville, Middle Octorara Presbyterian Church (MOPC) has served as a drop-off center for OCC shoeboxes since 2008. MOPC mission team leader Dan Henry estimates that the church has collected about 20,000 shoebox donations over the years. "It's a great way to spread joy and smiles and most importantly spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ all over the world," he said. Last year, 1,502 boxes were received through MOPC's collection center.

MOPC's 13th annual OCC collection event will be held from Monday, Nov. 15, to Monday, Nov. 22. Directions for packing shoebox gifts are available at http://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child. Individuals who want to donate items instead of packing boxes are welcome to do so, as MOPC will host a packing party on Sunday, Nov. 14, from 9 to 10 a.m. All are welcome to attend.

Shoebox gifts may be dropped off at MOPC on Nov. 15, from 8 to 10 a.m.; Tuesday, Nov. 16 and Wednesday, Nov. 17, from 3 to 6 p.m.; Thursday, Nov. 18, from 8 to 10 a.m.; Friday, Nov. 19, from 3 to 6 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 20, from 9 a.m. to noon; Sunday Nov. 21, from 2 to 4 p.m; and Nov. 22, from 8 to 10 a.m. If preferred, individuals can deliver OCC shoeboxes via curbside drop-off at the church to maintain social distancing.

All of the collected boxes will be taken to the regional processing center in Baltimore. Henry noted that at least eight people from MOPC will travel to the center to help with the inspection process on Monday, Dec. 6. They will go through the boxes to make sure they are full enough and contain only permitted items.

According to Samaritan's Purse, the shoebox gifts are distributed through local events to children who are affected by difficult circumstances. Ministry partners offer the 12-week discipleship program "The Greatest Gift" and develop long-term, caring relationships with children and their families who choose to participate. Donors have the option to see where their gifts are delivered by signing up for the tracking service at the aforementioned website.

To donate items, readers may call Henry at 717-391-9947. Information about MOPC is available at http://www.middleoctorara.org. To learn more about OCC, visit http://www.samaritanspurse.org.